Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his Manchester United team as worthy champions - but admitted this campaign does not compare with the 1999 treble-winning season.
A 73rd-minute Wayne Rooney penalty proved enough to earn United a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers and give the Red Devils a record 19th championship. It also meant United will end the season with only five away wins, matching the total of Liverpool in 1977.
Yet Ferguson still feels his side deserve the accolades that should come their way, despite repeated doubts being cast over the quality of this particular season.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
"It is not fair to say it's a bad Manchester United team or a bad league," he said.
"It is a tighter league, a harder league to win. Any campaign has got blips for anyone. You have got to look at the league in general."
However, even though his team could yet win the Champions League and were one game away from reaching the FA Cup final, Ferguson knows the overall campaign has been below the standards set in 1999.
"Let's not get carried away," he said.
"The treble season was something special. I don't think anyone will ever do it again. We made a go at it, as a manager of the club, you have to try that.
"But I didn't think it would happen. I thought we would get knocked out somewhere along the line. Fortunately it was the one you would want to win least of all because the Premier League and the Champions League are paramount."
Rooney admitted to being "terrified" before he took the penalty that won Manchester United their 19th league title on Saturday afternoon.
Needing just a point to clinch the prize at Blackburn Rovers, United trailed to Brett Emerton's first-half goal before Rooney levelled from the spot.
"I was terrified, the ref took a long time to give it," Rooney said.
"I had to compose myself, I'd been practising all week."
Making reference to his transfer request and contract dispute earlier in the season, Rooney added: "After the year I've had, with the ups and downs, this is for the fans and the team."
United's 19th title is one more than Liverpool, and former Everton striker Rooney said: "For me personally, being an Everton fan, to win a 19th title is special."
WIN TROPHIES
Ryan Giggs, winning his 12th title, said: "It's a tough league to win and it's still as special as ever.
"We have the desire and it's a pleasure to play in this team. We want to win trophies."
Asked if he was concerned with the criticism that United's current team does not compare to others in their history, Giggs added: "We're champions and in the Champions League. We're rubbish aren't we?
"Twenty years ago we were nowhere near Liverpool. It's great credit to the club, the manager and the players and it's a good feeling to be ahead of our greatest rivals.
OUR REWARDS
Twenty-two goal striker Dimitar Berbatov, out of the side in recent weeks, said: "A second title for me is great. I scored many goals this season and helped the team win it. I'm still the leading goalscorer."
United great Gary Neville, now working in the media following his retirement earlier in the season, said: "These are the moments you live for. They will have the best night of their lives."
England defender Rio Ferdinand added: "We missed out last year by a point and it was here we pretty much lost the league (with a 0-0 draw) so it was nice to come back here and get it done.
"We gave away a soft goal but we persevered and got our rewards. To get it done this week makes it easier for the manager, I'm sure.
"It's a better league this year, teams have been beating each other from the bottom to the top which makes it more exciting for the fans."
Ferdinand has endured a tough time with injuries over recent seasons and added: "I'm delighted, it's been a hard couple of years being out but if you work hard you get your rewards."
ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY
United will hold a victory parade in the city on 30th May to celebrate winning the Barclays Premier League title.
The event will take place at lunchtime and the open-top bus parade will give fans the chance to join in the celebrations of a record-breaking 19th league title and also a potential Champions League success.
United's chief executive David Gill has revealed the club has been inundated with pleas from fans for a parade and he feels that it is a perfect way to honour this season's achievements.
"Breaking the record of league title wins is a big day in the club's illustrious history," he said.
"We have received many letters and e-mails from fans encouraging us to hold a public celebration of that achievement and we believe this is a fitting way to mark it."
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester United winning their 19th top flight title is a remarkable and historic achievement.
"We're sure fans will come out in their droves to celebrate and acclaim their heroes and that 30th May will be a memorable day for the whole city."
Source: Premierleague.com
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