Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes surpassing Liverpool FC’s title haul of 18 would be a remarkable achievement, but believes it is more important to sustain a level of excellence rather than aim for such landmarks.
Manchester United could potentially win a fourth consecutive Premier League title if they shake off strong claims from Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC, but the long-serving Old Trafford supremo suggests he hopes to be remembered after he retires as someone who not only created a trophy laden dynasty, but also a legacy of winning sides in the future.
Ferguson suggests one of his greatest challenges as Manchester United boss lies ahead; his ability to replace the likes of Edwin Van der Sar, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville. The Scot believes players like Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick can continue to pass on the club’s winning mentality but suggested he still has a “bit of patching up to do there” in terms of replacing the aforementioned club legends.
The Manchester United boss told the People: “It's a hell of a haul. But it's not a matter of being one ahead of Liverpool, it's trying to win with excellence that is important,"
"When I've gone I hope to leave a legacy behind with a team that keeps winning.”
“We do structure the club well in terms of age. That's why the present squad, apart from the old ones, should be there for a while.”
"Rio Ferdinand's 30, and next season will be Edwin van der Sar's last, I'm sure of that. So there's maybe a bit of patching up to do there.”
“How you replace Giggs, Scholes and Neville is difficult, but players such as Fletcher, Rooney, O'Shea and Carrick will have been at the club a long time by then and they can take over.”
"They can carry on the traditions of knowing how to win trophies here because sometimes knowing how to win it is better than having the ability to win it."
Should Manchester United win the Premier League title this season they will move ahead of Liverpool FC with 19 in total, but Ferguson believes winning four in a row would be marvelous achievement, and one extremely difficult to match.
He concluded: "It would be a great achievement for us. It won't be done in a hurry again. The exciting thing is it is achievable.”
“We are in a good position to do it.”
"Chelsea have got that game in hand but the best place to be this time of the season is top of the league."