United retained the Barclays Premier League title after a 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic secured by a first-half penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and a second-half clincher from substitute Ryan Giggs.
Chelsea could only manage a 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge and Ferguson was quick to remind them who has the psychological advantage ahead of the Champions League final in Moscow on 21st May.
“If we had lost the title today it would have been a great knock but the great thing is we are bouncing into the final,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson, asked if United’s latest triumph reinforced his determination to carry on as manager, replied: “I am very proud to have survived so long but I am at a great club which makes it easier for me than the rest.”
Ferguson, who has won 10 titles during his reign, also predicted that the current United side will overhaul Liverpool’s overall total of 18 titles. United now have 17.
He said: “I think it will come. This side is young. There is plenty left in them.”
Chelsea coach Avram Grant congratulated Ferguson on winning the title and then revealed that captain John Terry has a chance of being fit for the Champions League final.
The Blues’ title hopes were dashed by United’s 2-0 win at Wigan and an injury-time equaliser from Matt Taylor as Bolton snatched a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Substitute Andriy Shevchenko had given Chelsea hope with a 62nd-minute strike but the loss of Terry after 10 minutes with a dislocated elbow now threatens to dent their Champions League chances against United.
Yet Grant was both generous in his praise of Ferguson and confident that Terry could win his fitness battle.
“First I want to congratulate Manchester United,” said Grant. “They had a great season and I have sent a message to Alex Ferguson congratulating him. He is a great manager and a great person. I like him personally. I wished him all the best.
“It is amazing what he has done. I remember at the start when he had problems so it is an amazing achievement.
“John did not break his elbow. But we need to wait and see. We will know if he is fit for the final in a few days.
“I don’t want to see the day when John Terry is not confident of being fit. It is good news that he didn’t break his elbow. He is strong enough to recover but we will wait and see.
“In 10 days we play the final so we will take a decision nearer the time. We need to see that he is fit to play.
“It is firstly the decision of the medical department to see if he can play or not but there is no need to rush, we have time.”
Meanwhile, Didier Drogba suffered a knee injury and Grant said: “It doesn’t look so good, we have to wait.”
