Rio: Don't Compare Title 20

Rio Ferdinand says it is “pointless” trying to compare the current Manchester United team with those from bygone eras, saying he is content enough with securing a place in Reds history.

The veteran defender helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s men claim the Barclays Premier League crown on Monday night after a 3-0 win over Aston Villa. And with four games still to play there is a chance of surpassing the 91 points gathered by the then-record breaking 1999/2000 title-winning team, and Chelsea’s current record 95 points set in 2004/05.

But, rather than looking at the past, Ferdinand is keen to focus on the here and now, and explains why the present day United team's sole focus is success no matter what the circumstances are.

“I think it is pointless trying to compare teams because it is different eras,” Rio told MUTV. “It makes good pub talk and good media talk, but for us, it is neither here nor there – it’s about winning.

“We’re going to have a winners’ medal by the end of the season and we are delighted about that. To compare us is a waste of time. We respect all of the teams that have gone before us, but we just want to be part of this club’s history."

Reclaiming the title this season is made even sweeter in the context of last season's disappointment – losing out on goal difference on the final day - and Ferdinand feels credit is deserved for the way the team has responded.

“I think that just shows the resilience and the attitude in the squad that the manager has instilled in us,” Rio said. “A lot of other teams would probably have fallen away.

“We played Liverpool a couple of seasons ago when they were fighting for the title, we beat them and got to the league before them and they’ve not been seen since. That shows the mentality and character that this club has.” Ferdinand has now won six league titles at Old Trafford, a feeling that does not diminish over time.

“Winning can’t get boring,” he says. “It’s always sweet when you win the title and it’s nice to do it here at Old Trafford and in the right way, in style. We have won it outright and comfortably.

“I am still loud as ever, I have already lost my voice but you have got to enjoy it," Rio explained. “To be honest with you, we have been a little bit laxidasical about it when we had won a couple in the past, moving on quite quickly. But you have to enjoy it, especially when you get to my age.”