Fergie Is The Special Won
So the title is back at Old Trafford after an absence of three seasons. It has been a victory not just for Manchester United's relative prudence over Chelsea's half-billion pound budget, but in Alex Ferguson's belief that the beautiful game can still triumph over raw power and aggression. It also confirmed Ferguson's dominance in his personal duel with Jose Mourinho. Over the 10 months, Ferguson had both the man-management skills and self-control that slowly deserted his closest rival. Like his team, he had class and style when it counted. Crucially, he had a belief in his team Mourinho clearly never did. Even before a ball had been kicked, the Manchester United boss had to iron out the ill-feeling between Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. It seemed at one stage Ronaldo would be on his way out of Old Trafford after his controversial run-in with his United team-mate at the World Cup. Ferguson got the pair in, appealed to their better nature, reaffirmed his belief they were the two essential pillars of the new United - and let them get on with it. From the moment the pair set each other up for goals in an opening-day 5-1 thrashing of Fulham, whatever problems there may have been were firmly in the past. If there was one key to the success that would follow, it was this.
Steven Howard, The Sun
Fergie's Best Title Of Them All
This title win will go down as Alex Ferguson's greatest ever. Better than the first in 1993 which opened the floodgates or the comeback of all comebacks against Kevin Keegan's Newcastle in 1996. Even the one which kicked off the Treble in 1999 should be eclipsed by this. Why? Because this one was simply not supposed to happen. Not after the Arsenal 'Invincibles' had eclipsed United with a 38-game unbeaten triumph in 2004. Or after Chelsea had begun what looked like a new age of dominance in 2005, then so easily retained their title the following season. The first time Chelsea eclipsed third-placed United by 18 points and then last year by eight. Having taken Liverpool's mantle as English football's undisputed dominant force, it looked like United were following them into a cycle of decline. But while their old enemies are still searching for the route back to the top after last lifting the title in 1990, United have rebuilt and hit back. Perhaps only Ferguson himself really believed they could do it. Right from the very start, he said he had faith in this team. Last summer, the Old Trafford boss said: “I look to the coming season with every confidence. "This season, after three years without the championship, poses a particular challenge. I am sure they will measure up." And measure up they have with stunning free-flowing attacking football reminiscent of their most glorious of glory days.
Neil Custis, The Sun
Beauty Killed The Beast
A ninth title and Sir Alex Ferguson's greatest triumph - in the season that showed footballing beauty can conquer the relentless beast. Fergie's warm relationship with Jose Mourinho has gone into the deep freeze in recent weeks, the tense nature of the contest seeing both men making statements they may come to regret. But while the Laird of Old Trafford was on the golf course yesterday as Chelsea finally gave up the ghost, nothing should diminish the joy of this title victory, the final proof that Ferguson can build team after team. Yes, United's Treble ambitions were swept away amid the torrents which fell on the San Siro last Wednesday, befuddled and bewitched by the genius of Kaka. But no team has given greater pleasure, has captivated the nation, has played with a spirit of adventure and entertainment more than United this term.
Martin Lipton, Daily Mirror
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