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Fergie aims to have final word

Sir Alex chasing double in Moscow

Wigan 0 Manchester United 2

Published:

SIR Alex Ferguson has set his sights on the second half of a glorious double after Manchester United retained their Barclays Premier League title.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and substitute Ryan Giggs secured a 2-0 victory against Wigan at the JJB Stadium.

United finished two points ahead of Chelsea, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Bolton.

Now England’s top two will go head to head in the Champions League final in Moscow on May 21.

Ferguson cannot wait for that date in Russia.

“It would have been hard for us going to Moscow if we had lost out in the league,” said the United manager.

“While we know it will not be easy, we are relaxed now. There is a good feel about the team.

“It is an exciting team and I enjoy watching them. They don’t play with fear and that refreshes you.”

Ronaldo took his tally for the season to an astonishing 41 goals after making the breakthrough in the 33rd minute.

He sent goalkeeper Chris Kirkland the wrong way from the penalty spot after Emerson Boyce was pulled up for a challenge on Wayne Rooney.

Then Giggs marked a record-equalling 758th appearance for the club by scoring a crucial second goal 10 minutes from time with a cool finish.

Ferguson praised both players for their impact.

He said: “Ronaldo has been out of this world. To get 41 goals as a winger is sensational.

“It is also fantastic for Ryan to get the goal that matters. Maybe it is fate.

“He deserves it. I have known him for 20 years and he has been a credit to the game.

“For him to to equal the record, then to get the goal that wins the title, is just fantastic.”

Giggs insisted winning trophies is what continues to motivates him.

He said: “It was a great goal to settle us down – it gave us a two-goal cushion.

“I said before the game that I am not bothered about records. This is what it is about, championships and trophies. I hope we can win another one in 10 days.”

Wigan manager Steve Bruce could not disguise his affection for United and Giggs in particular.

“Ryan scored on his debut and has equalled the appearance record against us,” said the Old Trafford favourite.

“He is a great, great player.

“He epitomises what Manchester United are all about. He is an absolutely fantastic player.

“The big strength of United is their strength in depth. You look at the bench.

“It is a squad that is capable of playing 65 games.

“That is the biggest thing going for them.

“Of course they have outstanding players but it is their strength that sets them apart.”

However, Bruce believes Paul Scholes was lucky not to be sent off.

Bruce said: “Paul Scholes knows he got away with it. ”


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