Fergie's A Genius

Sir Bobby Charlton has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson as ‘a genius’ following Manchester United’s successful title defence on Sunday…

United defeated Wigan 2-0 at the JJB Stadium to clinch their 10th Premier League title and move just one shy of Liverpool’s record of 18 championships.

Charlton was delighted with outcome, and was full of praise for the two men who have been there for each one of United’s Premier League triumphs – manager Ferguson and veteran winger Ryan Giggs. “It’s just brilliant,” Charlton told MUTV. “Alex Ferguson’s record is simply sensational. The man is a genius. It was excellent, Ryan Giggs came on today and did something that just seemed so natural, putting the game beyond Wigan’s reach. We could relax then. That was a really important goal, he took it with such aplomb. You have to look at the record – ten Premier League titles! It’s fantastic.”

Giggs’ substitute appearance saw him equal Charlton’s record of 758 appearances for the Red Devils, a landmark achievement by anyone’s reckoning. The Welsh Wizard will claim sole ownership of the honour should he feature in the Champions League final in Moscow next week, and Charlton insists there is no one he would rather have eclipse his 35-year record.

“I don’t mind,” he said. “If there is anyone I would have liked it to happen to, it’s Ryan Giggs. He’s a credit to his family, the club, the game and himself. I am pleased for him.”

Proud

The Red Devils overcame tricky conditions in Wigan, wind and rain making an already difficult task particularly trying. United went into the game knowing they would have to win to be sure of claiming the title, as Chelsea were level on points heading into their clash with Bolton Wanderers.

And even though the blues only drew at Stamford Bridge, Charlton hailed Ferguson’s ability to get the most out of his team when it counts. “Nothing is beyond him,” he said. “If he gets a team and he’s in any position he knows what to do. He gets the best out of his players and it was tricky against Wigan with the rain. But we came through it and won. It’s brilliant, absolutely sensational. I am so proud. It’s an unbelievable club. You have to be here for a period of time to understand it. The people here love the club and want to make it work. Manchester United will progress forever. It’s a marvellous club.”

Ready

The Red Devils will go head-to-head with Chelsea on May 21 in pursuit of European glory and a memorable double. Charlton firmly believes United can succeed in Moscow, and is brimming with anticipation along with every other Red Devil the world over.

“I put nothing past these players, I put nothing past them,” he said. “It’s not far away now, it’ll soon be upon us. But we will be ready for it. We will give it our best shot, which we always do.”

source: goal.com/Mike Maguire