[bbfan1991]

Jones central to Reds' success

Amid the giddy excitement of Monday's title-clinching celebrations at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson enthused about the current quality of his squad and its potential for improvement, and in Phil Jones he says "arguably, the way he's looking, he could be our best ever player.”



That's some statement considering the talent the United manager has witnessed, but his finest servant to date, Ryan Giggs, believes Jones will be "outstanding" for years to come.

The 21-year-old’s display in the heart of United’s defence against Aston Villa was another excellent showing at centre-back. Jones has also featured at right-back and in central midfield in his short Reds career, but Giggs viewed Monday's accomplished display as a spoiler for the path the youngster’s career will ultimately take.

“He was outstanding tonight,” Giggs told Sky Sports. “Phil is one of those players who's that good he can play midfield or right-back, but I think tonight you've seen his position. Every time he plays at centre-half he's outstanding.”

In just two seasons at Old Trafford, Jones has sampled searing highs and sapping lows, and Giggs says the former Blackburn Rovers defender will benefit from a well-rounded education.

“He's such a young lad, that he'll only get better and better, and experiences like last year and this year will help him,” said the 39-year-old. “Disappointment can also help you in some ways. There are a lot of young players in there who have learned from last season and have gone on and played really well consistently this season, which is hard for a young player.”

I agree with them that Phil Jones was quality and he has so much potential to improve and become world class.

[bbfan1991]

United 3 Villa 0

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-An...ch-report.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Gallery: Villa vanquished

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...n-Villa-0.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Champagne celebrations

Old Trafford erupted in scenes of joyous celebration on Monday night as the Reds beat Aston Villa 3-0 to clinch a 20th league title.

The fans weren't the only ones celebrating, though. After two victory laps on the pitch, Sir Alex's men headed into the dressing room, sprayed champagne and sung victory songs.

The club's official TV channel, MUTV, were granted exclusive access to the scenes and you can watch what unfolded by clicking the image above.

Enjoy!

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...ebrations.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Reds react on Twitter

A host of Manchester United players, fans and legends took to Twitter on Monday after Sir Alex Ferguson’s men secured the Barclays Premier League title via a 3-0 win over Aston Villa.



Of course, the victory also provides the Reds with a 20th top-flight triumph, prompting the ‘#Champions20’ hashtag to trend worldwide as millions of supporters celebrated through the night.

And to help sample the mood, we’ve compiled a batch of the best Tweets from around the world, beginning with a few well-known faces at the Theatre of Dreams...

Wayne Rooney
“What a feeling to win the league. Champions 20”

Alexander Büttner
“Wow first time in my life I've won the championship in my first season. #champions #MUFC”

Edwin van der Sar
“Congratulations to every player, manager, coaches, staff and of course the supporters for an incredible year! #Manutd #20th”#

Gary Neville
“Massive congratulations to all at Manchester United”

Ruud van Nistelrooy
“M.U.F.C 20th league title! Congrats to the big red family. #RvP!”

Viv Anderson
“Good to see the title back at the home of football! Congratulations to Manchester United Football Club and of course Sir Alex #Champions”

Andrew Cole
“Chaps well done again! Great feeling again to be involved with such a wonderful football club on winning title number 20.”

Peter Schmeichel
“Brilliant brilliant brilliant. Congratulations to all United fans. No 20 is in the bag. #20th”

Usain Bolt
“Championship #20.. Congrats to the greatest club #MUFC”

Rory McIlroy
“#20 #enoughsaid”

Harry Styles
“Manchester United. Premier League Champions”

Manchester City FC
“Congratulations to Manchester United on winning the Barclays Premier League title for 2012/13.”

John Simm
“Today's number is the number 20. #MUFC #champions”

Olly Murs
“Yesssss we are #CHAMP20NS again...”

Eamonn Holmes
“Congratulations on the big 20 .Manchester United - English Premier League Champions 2012/2013”

Phil Neville
“Congratulations man utd deserved premier league champions 2012/13”

Quinton Fortune
“Congratulations, what a team work!! #20thTitle #standardprocedure ”

[bbfan1991]

CHAMPIONS 2013.

http://www.manutd.com/en/Champions2013.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Carrick: It gets more special

Michael Carrick says the feeling of winning the league title is something that gets more special every time.



The Reds clinched a 20th league title on Monday night after a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa and this latest triumph was Carrick's fifth as a Red, an experience he will never tire of.

"It is an incredible achievement. Every year we win it just gets more special. The sense of achievement gets greater, for the manager and the club," he told PA Sport and the Manchester Evening News.

"This was a special one this year, the way we ended last year. We could have gone two ways and let it affect us and faded away. But we bounced back. We are proud of all the lads for showing their character.

"We were written off at the start of the season, as we are most seasons, but we have managed to come out on top. It is a special feeling."

Carrick also paid tribute to team-mate Ryan Giggs who has now won 13 Premier League titles. "You keep talking about him but what else is there left to say! It is sensational that he is still able to do that after all this time," added the 31-year-old.

"It is not just physical, it is mental, having the drive and desire to do it every day. The standard he has set is unbelievable. He is a legend. It is a throwaway comment too often. But he is a legend. It is a pleasure to play with him and work with him every day."

[bbfan1991]

Video: RvP wonder strike

Robin van Persie has talked MUTV through his wonder strike during the title-clinching success against Aston Villa.



The Dutchman blasted a stupendous volley past Brad Guzan following Wayne Rooney's exquisite pass to notch his second strike in the 11th minute. Although he went on to complete his second hat-trick since joining the club, there was no doubting which effort will emerge as a Goal of the Season contender.

When asked if it is his best goal for United, the centre-forward replied: "It's hard. Maybe if I look at everything - the occasion, the day and the importance of the goal, maybe it is my most important."

The volley will be shown again and again and everybody inside Old Trafford will be able to say they were present to witness such a magnificent strike.

"It was a great pass from Wayne," said van Persie. "He had to spot my run because I went in front of Ron Vlaar. It was a brilliant pass - absolutely straight into my path. I was counting my steps and it came exactly in front of me so it was a brilliant pass.

"The only thing I had to do was time it right, keep my body straight and level with the ball. I did and it went in which was very nice. So it was a big relief. You need to be a bit lucky with those goals as most of them go over or wide but, today, it didn't so I was very pleased with that."

[bbfan1991]

United players out on the town celebrating after the match.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...in-van-1848683

[bbfan1991]

I love this interview by Patrice Evra and his passion for United, a quick dig at City too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22259510

[bbfan1991]

[King Gizzard]

[bbfan1991]

Gabby. Villa need to get their act together vs Sunderland!!

[Brother Leon]

LOL. Epic moves.

[bbfan1991]

Rio Ferdinand rubs salt into Manchester City wounds: 'United won title in the right way, not on goal difference'

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United's title cruise compares favourably with the last-ditch manner of Manchester City's triumph last season.



United wrapped up their 20th championship with four games to spare thanks to last night's 3-0 win over Aston Villa.

It ended City's brief reign as England's top dogs, and helped United erase the memory of what happened 12 months previously, when Sergio Aguero's injury-time effort won the Premier League for City seconds after United had concluded their own campaign.

There has been nothing like the thrills this time around, with United establishing a comfortable advantage on the back of a series of key victories away from Old Trafford.

And Ferdinand is relishing the ease with which dominance has been re-established.

"It's always sweet when you win the title and it's nice to do it here, in the right way and in style, not on goal difference," said Ferdinand.

We have won it outright and we have won it comfortably."

There were some who felt United might struggle to recover from the trauma they suffered last season, especially given the finance available to City manager Roberto Mancini.

But those doubters reckoned without the extreme determination within the Old Trafford camp, and the focus derived from Sir Alex Ferguson, who has now won an incredible 13 championships, the same number as Arsenal have managed in their entire history.

"It just shows the resilience and attitude the manager has instilled in us," said Ferdinand. "A lot of 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."

It is too simplistic to say Robin van Persie has made the difference.

There is no doubting the impact last night's hat-trick hero has had at Old Trafford though.

And with Luis Suarez out of contention, it now seems certain the Dutchman will become the first player to win back-to-back Golden Boot awards since Thierry Henry.

"Robin has been a big factor," said Ferdinand.

"Last season, we lost on goal difference which tells you that we didn't score enough goals.

"We brought in a man who was top scorer last season and he looks like he is going to do that again this season.

"He has definitely added to what we had already."

[bbfan1991]

Premier League: Manchester United ace Antonio Valencia wants to stay

Antonio Valencia has revealed that he hopes to end his career at Manchester United.

The 27-year-old winger - who has two years left on his current deal - also played down rumours, which he believes emanated in his homeland, that he was looking to leave the club this summer.

"Neither the club or the coach have said anything about that (leaving Manchester United), I think it was a rumour that came about in Ecuador more than anywhere else," the Ecuadorian ace told Radio La Deportiva.

"This [Manchester] is my home, I would like to stay here for a lot longer and retire here before going back to Ecuador."

Valencia admits that it has taken him time to physically get over the broken leg he suffered in September 2010 against Rangers in the Champions League.

"When I had the problem with my leg I recovered mentally without any difficulty," he said.

"But the problem with my back was something that affected me for a lot longer, but now I am fine and physically much better."

Valencia was talking after helping United to clinch the Premier League title on Monday against Aston Villa.

"I am very happy, this is my second championship here," he said.

"I have the confidence that the coach has given me and when you go into a match with the confidence of the team, it gives you extra motivation."

Valencia is now focused on helping Ecuador seal their place at the 2014 World Cup finals.

"It has been an effort from everyone in the national side, it's like a family that we have formed," he said.

"We cannot let it slip now, we missed out on the last World Cup, we can't miss this one. We have two difficult games coming up, but they are six points and two games that could give us qualification."

[Ryan57]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

Thanks for those. New desktop background. I was happy with my current but had to change after yesterday.

Spoiler:

Really liked this as well bbfan.

With that said, couldn't not change.

Spoiler:

[bbfan1991]

What a celebration.

[bbfan1991]

Carrick: Recovery never in doubt

Michael Carrick insists there was never any doubt in the Manchester United dressing room that the players would recover from the heartbreak of losing the title in such dramatic fashion last season.



After losing out on goal difference to Manchester City in the final seconds of the 2011/12 campaign, the Reds were determined to bounce back with a vengeance this time round.

A 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on Monday night ensured a 20th league title for the club and helped banish the harrowing memories of last May.

“It hurt and it wasn't pleasant but we pretty much started thinking about this season straightaway,” Carrick told reporters. “It was said in the dressing room (at Sunderland, on the final day of 2011/12) 'remember this feeling'. It wasn't pleasant. Even coming to the end of this season, we had a decent gap, but we didn't want to let it slip because we know what it felt like.

“There are not many teams who could have come back from that. It was devastating. But we came back for the start of the season, got out on the pitch, started playing well and getting points. I am proud of being part of that. The character of the lads is incredible. Not many teams could have done that.”

This latest title triumph is Carrick’s fifth as a Red and he insists his hunger to win more is only getting stronger.

“I said before I came here that if I won a league that would have meant everything to me. Strange as it is though, as soon as I won that first league it left me hungry for more,” he explains.

“Whether that is from being here, or just the feeling that came with the opportunity for getting more here, I don't know. Before I came here one trophy would have been a big success from where I came from. But the satisfaction of winning it is such a good feeling you want it again and again, and you get hungrier to win it again.

“I definitely want more,” he added. “The season is not over yet, we haven't even got the trophy, but we will come back next year and give it everything again. We will be as hungry as ever. That is how we bounce back from this so well. Regardless of whether we have been successful the year before or not, we are trying to achieve again. What is gone is gone. We lost against City and we bounced back. It is something we pride ourselves on.”

Well said by Michael Carrick, who I think has had a superb season and am glad that he has been given some recognition for it with the PFA Player Of The Year nomination!

[bbfan1991]

Trophy plans confirmed

Sir Alex Ferguson and his players will have the chance to share the 20th title success with fans during an open-top bus parade through Manchester on Monday 13 May.



The Reds clinched a 20th league title earlier this week following a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa and the club has now confirmed that the Barclays Premier League trophy will be presented at the final home game of the season against Swansea City, shortly after the final whistle, on Sunday 12 May.

The champions will then parade the trophy through Manchester on Monday 13 May. The parade will commence at Old Trafford in the early evening and finish in the city centre.

Exact details of timings and the tour route will be communicated in due course.

Great news.

[bbfan1991]

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.”

[bbfan1991]

Reds around the world

http://www.manutd.com/en/Champions20...ebrations.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Video: Champions credits

http://www.manutd.com/en/Champions20...e-credits.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Video: Evra has last laugh

Patrice Evra admits United have had the last laugh with the perfect response to last season's final-day heartbreak.



The Reds had already concluded a 1-0 victory at Sunderland last year when Sergio Aguero's dramatic stoppage-time winner against QPR completed a remarkable turnaround at the Etihad Stadium, handing Manchester City the Barclays Premier League trophy by virtue of superior goal difference.

The experience strengthened United's resolve to regain the title and the celebrations on Monday following the 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa at Old Trafford showed how important a 20th championship is to the entire squad.

"It was unbelievable," he enthused on MUTV. "It looked like the first one.

"This is the winning mentality and why I play for Manchester United. To be fair, if someone told me one day I would win five titles with United, I would never have believed them.

"Everyone is really happy. We dseerve that title. I remember, last year when we lost the title, everyone was laughing and saying Manchester City would take control of the Premier League.

"I said we didn't play well, I admit it, but, if Manchester United get the consistency back, we will win the title by 10 points. I was wrong as now we're winning it by 16 points but I was not too far away!

"I believed it. I didn't say it to make people happy. I just trust when Manchester has that consistency, we will be the best team in the Premier League and we showed that we deserved it.

"We've won the league with four games to go. What a good job!"

Evra also had words of praise for star striker Robin van Persie after his hat-trick sank Villa and enabled the celebrations to start in earnest.

"I think, when the boss bought Robin van Persie, everyone knew he was a top-class player when playing for Arsenal," he stated. "But to play with him is just unbelievable.

"He came here with a lot of humility. I remember one game when he missed a penalty but scored a hat-trick [at Southampton] and he said sorry to everyone in the dressing room. That shows you the character and personality of Robin van Persie.

"I'm really pleased with him and I hope he wins the top scorer in the Premier League and, why not, also the Player of the Year."

http://www.manutd.com/en/Champions20....aspx?pageNo=2

[bbfan1991]

Shinji Kagawa feels he could have offered more to Manchester United's title win

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa admits he wishes he could have contributed more to his side's Premier League title winning season.

Kagawa, who arrived at Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund last summer, started his debut season at United brightly but suffered a knee injury in October which kept him sidelined for two months.

The 24-year-old scored five goals in 18 Premier League outings for the club, including his hat-trick in the 4-0 success over Norwich last month.

The Japan international has earned plaudits in his home country after helping United to a 20th league title but believes he could have offered more to Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

He said: "I was looking to produce even more results. I was injured and I felt things didn't go well easily.

"I had a lot of conflict, frustration and worries. In that sense, I think it has been a profound year.

"Honestly, I haven't contributed as much as I did at Dortmund.

"I was even injured. I still don't quite have that feeling of accomplishment."

Despite feeling he could have offered more on an individual level, Kagawa was pleased to be part of three successive title wins after helping Dortmund to back-to-back championships following his move from J-League club Cerezo Osaka in 2010.

The midfielder is hoping to build on that tally, adding: "I've managed to win three in a row. I think my career is bound to get better and better."

I thought his contribution was good enough, obviously with it being his first season at United Shinji need time to settle in at the club and get used to United's style of play, linking up with his team mates and also the style of Football in the Premier League/England in general.


He has improved and I am excited for his potential next season!