Soccer: Manchester United want to grab that prized 19th league title as reward for Alex Ferguson's amazing efforts at Old Trafford, according to the Scotsman's assistant Mike Phelan.
Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford means the Red Devils now require just a single point from their final two games to eclipse Liverpool as England's most successful team in terms of domestic title wins. If it is achieved, Ferguson will have been responsible for 12 of those triumphs since his arrival at United from Aberdeen in 1986.
Ferguson, who celebrates his 70th birthday on New Year's Eve, has already vowed to extend his illustrious reign into next season, and his appetite for the game remains undimmed.
"You set targets all the time," said Phelan. "The Chelsea result gives the manager an opportunity to get the 19th now. It is something we have been striving for and all the players will be very pleased if we can get that for him."
United's win means they will could be celebrating their moment of history just as Manchester City are about to begin a first FA Cup final in 30 years.
The timing is not ideal for anyone, although at least there will be no accompanying trophy celebrations at Blackburn with the Premier League, mindful that it is still mathematically possible for Chelsea to win the title, happy to wait until the final weekend, when United entertain Blackpool.
Knowing a draw would be enough to keep them in pole position, United made the perfect start through Javier Hernandez's 36-second opener at Old Trafford.
It was the best way possible for United to execute their game-plan of putting Chelsea onto the back foot.
The outcome triggered joyous scenes in the stands and a couple of celebratory bows from Ferguson towards the Stretford End.
Even the Scot feels the job is done, although Phelan's more conservative assessment shows a clear intent to keep feet on the ground for another week at least.
"We still have the last little bit to do," he said. "We are in control of our own situation but we will go to Ewood Park next Saturday knowing we have to perform. They are still looking for the odd point because of the way things have gone over the weekend and it is not over yet."
