Fergie Revels in United's Record 19th Title

Sir Alex Ferguson felt Manchester United's title-clinching point against Blackburn summed up his side's character, with the 1-1 draw at Ewood Park delivering the Red Devils a record-breaking 19th league championship triumph. United went 1-0 down to a goal from Brett Emerton but Wayne Rooney's penalty handed Ferguson's side a share of the spoils and gave them the point they needed to start celebrating overtaking Liverpool's tally of 18 titles. "It was a fantastic performance by the lads and the supporters and for everybody connected with the club it's a great day today,'' he said. "It wasn't an easy game, we went 1-0 down having given them a bad goal but we kept on and we don't give in. "It looked like it was not going to be our day, we've always had it difficult here. It is a local derby and they are fighting for their lives, looking for that point, but we kept going and that's a good quality.''

Asked about the possible challenge Liverpool could make under Kenny Dalglish in the future, Ferguson said of his old rivals: "It's not easy, this league - as they'll find out!'' United will celebrate their record-breaking title triumph in style with a victory parade in Manchester on May 30, which will see the players go on an open-top bus around the city. Old Trafford 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 30 May will be a memorable day for the whole city.'' Wayne Rooney has admitted he was 'terrified' to take the penalty that ultimately clinched Manchester United's 19th Premier League title. Rooney stepped up to take the penalty after Javier Hernandez had been brought down by Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson. He composed himself and sent Robinson the wrong way to make the score 1-1 - securing the point United needed to win the title. The striker admitted, however, that he was struggling with fear in the wait to take the crucial spot-kick.

"I was terrified, the ref took a long time to give it," Rooney told Sky Sports. "I had to compose myself, [but] I'd been practising all week." Rooney, who later showed his followers on Twitter that he had shaved a '19' into his chest hair to commemorate the success, admitted it was a great pleasure to overtake Liverpool as English football's most successful club. "For me personally, being an Everton fan, to win a 19th title is special," he added. Ryan Giggs, who has been a part of much of the success United have achieved under Sir Alex Ferguson, once again paid tribute to the squad's hunger for success. "It's a tough league to win and it's still as special as ever," he said. "We have the desire and it's a pleasure to play in this team. We want to win trophies."