Question remains on Man United greatness

THE scale of Manchester United's achievement in winning the Premier League might not be fully clear until it has faced Barcelona in the Champions League final in 11 days' time.

First in the league table for 2010-11, what about its position in posterity? Beat the finest side in the world and it will be much harder to question whether this United deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with Alex Ferguson's greatest sides.

Lose tamely on May 28 to Barcelona, as it did in 2009, and the arguments will perhaps stick that this side became English champions through tenacity more than talent and thanks to the limitations of its rivals. Despite the champagne and cavorting at Ewood Park and the glee at not only winning the crown but dethroning Liverpool to stand alone on 19 league titles, an iconic night at Wembley would enhance everything.

Ferguson agrees that the task now for his players is to overcome Barcelona and mute those who have greeted United's title with only grudging respect. "That is their challenge at Wembley," he said. "There is nothing wrong with accepting challenges, we are good at that. It doesn't matter where they come from, you have to stand up to the mark. We have shown resilience and our home form has been great.

"They don't give in, that is their great quality. There are good ages in the team, a lot of good legs and a lot of speed. I know we are playing a terrific team in Barcelona, but would you back against us in a big way? I don't think you would. We are capable of doing very well in the final."

Feeling only fleeting satisfaction at lifting trophies is an essential ingredient of winning more. Ferguson knows that the end of one season marks only the beginning of the next.

Much has been made of the evergreen Ryan Giggs; how about the ever-purple Ferguson? Aged 69 and after 12 Premier League titles, as pugnacious and perceptive as always. The wisdom of experience yet the dynamism of youth. "You can see he's like a kid," defender Patrice Evra said. "Like he's just won the league for the first time."

Ferguson was asked how this team compares with his others. His reticence was revealing. "Difficult to say where they stand; we have had some great teams at this club," he said.

THE TIMES