Fergie won't let United lose appetite for success

United's latest Premier League triumph lifted Ferguson's men above Liverpool in the list of all-time English champions and the Scot took great pride in such an historic achievement.

However, Ferguson is well aware United will face a stern threat to their supremacy from big-spending Manchester City next season as well as revitalised Liverpool and long-standing rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

"There's a responsibility as the manager of Manchester United. It doesn't go away," he told Inside United.

"I'm not going to take it easy because we won the title. Hopefully we'll be better next season. The only thing you can do at this club is win - that's all that matters.

"We have to carry on, there's nothing else you can do. We have a responsibility and expectation to live up to and that carries on next season.

"As I've always said, Manchester United should accept a challenge. We're good at that and, next season, we'll accept anything that comes our way."

Ferguson admitted the 19th title was special as it cemented United's position as English football's most successful club and provided the perfect answer to critics who dismissed his team throughout the season.

"It's a great feat winning this league. It was Liverpool's time in the 80s, it's our time now," he said.

"This was a particularly special one because it means we've won the title more than anyone in the country. It's history and it's great for the tradition of this club.

"The players have been great, I think they deserved it because there were a lot of great performances. I'm dismissing all that nonsense that it's not a great Manchester United team."

Ferguson also described United's Champions League conquerors Barcelona as the best side he has ever played.

United were beaten 3-1 by Barca at Wembley last month and Ferguson added: "They are at a tremendous peak in the cycle of their team - you get teams who elevate themselves to that status and I think Barcelona are that team. We were well beaten."