Title victory 'possibly the club's greatest achievement' - Sir Alex

Given Ferguson's 20-year reign as Old Trafford manager encompasses the 1999 Treble-winning campaign, the Scot's assessment of what his side have achieved this season will be viewed by some as little more than hyperbole.

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Such a view would be to overlook not only the state his team were in 18 months ago when, in the wake of Roy Keane's departure, United humiliatingly crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage, but also the multi-millions Chelsea have spent in an effort to secure a championship hat-trick.

Ferguson admitted he never lost faith, either in himself or his team. But there were times when he wondered if United would ever be able to match their cash-rich rivals from Stamford Bridge.

"It was a difficult task given the amount of money Chelsea have," said Ferguson. "They were also the most resilient opponents we have ever come across.

"But I thought the signings of Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko were designed to win them the European Cup and I just kept hoping that is what they were concentrating on.

"I knew we had to reach 90 points, which is a hell of a total. But we tried to instil into the players' minds that we needed to get off to a good start and stay with Chelsea. It was something no-one else had done in the previous two years.

"Not only did we do that, we got in front of them and stayed there, which was a fantastic achievement, possibly the club's greatest achievement simply because it is a relatively new team which will hopefully get better.

"It is this team's first attempt at it. That is why we are all encouraged."

Ferguson has already spoken of how he felt energised by United's challenge.

And while he confirmed he will not still be in charge by the time he reaches his 70th birthday, at 65 the Glaswegian still has the fire to fight a few more battles yet.

"Age creeps up on you," he smiled. "I still think of myself as being in my 50s. All of a sudden you read in the paper you are 65 and think 'that can't be right'.

"I don't see any dramatic changes in myself from five or six years ago, although there must be some.

"I will not carry on until I am 70 but I have enjoyed this season.

"There have been moments when my nerves were jangling or it was a bit tense. But you can have that anywhere if you care about things."

Ferguson switched his telephone off as last night's celebrations got into full swing and woke up this morning to 75 text messages but was unable to say whether Jose Mourinho was one of those to extend their good wishes.

However, after the recent bad blood which has spilled between the title protagonists, the United manager was full of praise for the way Mourinho handled his side's failure to overcome Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium yesterday, as result which ended the Londoners reign.

"I am sure Jose understands winning and losing are twins in a way," said Ferguson.

"You have to deal with them in the same way. When you win, you don't need to gloat, when you have a defeat you don't go bananas, you accept it.

"He was very complimentary after the match yesterday and I will bring him a decent bottle of wine to make sure his tastes are looked after."

Ferguson admitted he was more satisfied with the title success - his ninth as United manager - because of the swashbuckling manner in which it was achieved.

At times, the Scot admitted his side's attacking intent went a little too far.

But there is no doubt the Red Devils were the most watchable side in the Premiership, with Ferguson picking out the rampant four-goal second-half display against Blackburn on March 31 as his particular highlight.

"There is a lot of satisfaction in the way we have won it," he said.

"When we are in full flow, we are quite potent and there were a few performances like that; Bolton away, Liverpool at home, Tottenham away. The goal threat was always there, although the second-half against Blackburn was probably the best 45 minutes we have played all season."

Meanwhile, Ferguson confirmed veteran Swedish striker Henrik Larsson, whose 10-week loan spell helped United out at a time when they were struggling badly for fit forwards, would be a guest of honour at the FA Cup final with Chelsea at Wembley on May 19.

"I promised Henrik he would be at the Champions League Final or the FA Cup final if we got there and I am pleased to say he will be at Wembley with his wife," said Ferguson.