Boss Hails Club Effort

Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to his entire staff in his final-day address to the supporters at Old Trafford.

The boss was keen to explain that winning the Barclays Premier League is a triumph for the club as a whole and not just the players.

"Well, what a season," declared the boss. "Thinking back over the years, I don't think there has been a more dramatic season than this one and you have to credit the spirit. The players were absolutely brilliant, well done to them.

"The excitement and all these last-minute goals, I don't know how you survive! This is just the nature of our club - we do it that way. I always look back and think of all those last-minute goals that epitomises the spirit of Manchester United.

"I'd like to also thank the board, the directors, the owners, my staff, my medical staff.. fantastic they've all done a great job. You can't do it just with the players. The preparation for games has been superb – the medical staff and the coaches."

The manager also urged the supporters to turn up in numbers for the upcoming Old Trafford fixtures on Monday and Tuesday.

"We've always prided ourselves in producing our young players," he explained. "It's an integral part of Manchester United. Tomorrow, the youth team have an opportunity to win the FA Youth Cup again.

I hope a lot of you find the time to come and watch them. We had a fantastic game against them last week and they're bringing 7,000 fans so that should make it a fantastic atmosphere.

"We look forward to that and also, on a sad note, the retirement of Gary Neville, one of the greatest players of our generation. I can understand sometimes the criticism of testimonial games in present-day football but when a player like Neville gives you 20 years of his life, I think we should show our appreciation."