In congratulating new Premier League champions Manchester City, Sir Alex Ferguson reminded them that they have a long way to go before they can be considered Manchester United's equals. The United manager could not resist comparing his club's reputation as serial winners with City, who have lifted the title for the first time in 44 years.
While Ferguson grudgingly acknowledged City had legitimate cause for celebration, he insisted the blue half of Manchester still had plenty to do before they could rival United's history. "They can go on as much as they like - that's what you would expect - but the history of our club stands us aside," Ferguson said. "We don't need to worry about that. I think we have a rich history, better than anyone and it'll take them a century to get to our level of history."
Even at 70, Ferguson is determined to be the man who tries to halt City's attempt to repeat their success next season. "We accept challenges. We are good at that," said Ferguson, after a 1-0 win at Sunderland on Sunday did not prove enough to claim top spot.