Champions of England. Champions of Europe?
Hats off. A superlative title defence - if not achieved in superlative fashion.
United (with the odd exception) have done just enough throughout this season. A total of nine 1-0 wins, and a further six victories by a one goal margin. They have played far from their peak many times, but have still proved victorious at the final whistle - a feat their closest challengers (and rivals) Liverpool failed to achieve, ultimately, on too many occasions.
In the games Manchester United have played at their optimum, they have done so with great fluidity throughout the side. From the able centre-backs swapping passes with superior competency; Scholes' and Carrick's (or Fletcher, Anderson and Giggs for that matter!) interchanges - in both position and passing patterns; to a lethal frontline that have gelled utilising their individual brilliance.
It is still in the balance as to whether Carlos Tevez, part of that frontline, will remain at Old Trafford next season - although his apparent 'goodbye' waves & kisses to the crowd when substituted in today's 0-0 draw with Arsenal (crowning United champions) make his departure almost certain.
I would be overjoyed to witness Tevez playing (busting a gut!) in the red shirt of Merseyside next season. He would make an awesome addition to the squad for next season's follow up title challenge; and a cert to start on many more occasions than he has been allowed under Ferguson.
At the end of today's game against Arsenal, although gutting to see United celebrating the title win, it was also strangely satisfying witnessing the relief on the faces of their players, knowing it was my team that has pushed them all the way (all except the final fixture) this season - something I haven't seen since the inception of the Premier League.
Perhaps it could have been different. Had Gerrard & Torres started together more than twelve times it surely would have been. I do not say this with green-eyes at United's triumph - they are worthy winners - I say it because, unlike Sir Alex Ferguson, Rafa Benitez does not have another world-class player to call upon in the circumstances when one of them (if not both) are deemed unavailable - a fact that needs changing in close-season.
Despite my disappointment following Liverpool's exit from the Champions League, I am pleased that the World's elite club competition is to be fought out by two sides posing the best attacking frontlines in World football - and possibly in World football history.
Manchester United's opponents in the final, FC Barcelona, should have their domestic title sewn up this weekend, only requiring a draw as United did today, and will have managed to claim the title in a manner that Ferguson and his players will be envious of.
That said, it is very much in the balance which colour ribbons will be draped from the illustrious trophy when it is held aloft on May 27. If the colours are red, white and black, United will become the first team to successfully defend the trophy - placing the side into the history books.
I, for one, do not want to hear another season of "Champions of England...Champions of Europe" being repetitively chanted throughout almost each of the 90 minutes United are in action. It is monotonous and unimaginative.
It would, however, be one hell of an achievement.
