Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: League title was always our priority

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that Manchester United’s priority this season was always lifting a 20th English top-flight title.

The Red Devils, who are 15 points clear at the top of the table, were gunning for success in the FA Cup and Champions League until defeats by Chelsea and Real Madrid left the Premier League as their remaining hope of silverware.

And Ferguson, speaking ahead of Monday night’s derby showdown with Manchester City at Old Trafford, insists that the league was always the key to a successful season.

“I was asked about only winning one trophy. I think that’s a strange question in the context of the kind of competition we have as we’re up against teams from London – Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea – plus Liverpool and Everton,” Ferguson told MUTV.

“They’re massive challenges every year [for both Manchester clubs]. For every one of those teams, the supporters want to win one trophy. I think we can win the one that really does matter to the fans in particular.

“Yes, I’d love to win the Champions League again but I’d say that we were knocked out in circumstances everyone is still talking about.

“The disappointment at being knocked out by Chelsea is obvious but the league form has been fantastically consistent.”