SHY AND RETIRING ... Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes with the Premier Leage trophy last night
ALEX FERGUSON threw down the gauntlet to new Manchester United manager David Moyes and roared: Make it three titles in a row.
The retiring United boss issued the challenge during last night’s victory parade through the city as the Red Devils celebrated a record 20th League crown.Fergie said: “We have a young squad, with a lot of good young players, who are going to get better.
“The big test is to win it three times in a row. I hope the boys can do it.”
Fergie was in charge when United completed the hat-trick from 1999-2001 and again from 2007-2009.
And as he addressed the thousands of fans after 26½ years as boss, the man who masterminded the club’s historic Treble added: “I thought 1999 would never be beaten. But you have beaten it.”
Rio Ferdinand, who scored the winner in Sunday’s 2-1 triumph over Swansea in Fergie’s final home match in charge, was also blown away by the turn-out.
The defender said: “Manchester has never seen anything like this.”
The open-top bus victory parade began outside Old Trafford before ending on the balcony of Manchester Town Hall.
With 20,000 fans packed into Sir Matt Busby Way, roads had to be closed prior to the champions’ bus departing.
And as the players paraded the Premier League trophy, England midfield star Michael Carrick beamed: “It just means everything. This is incredible. We have got our trophy back.”
Ferguson, 71, also thanked the United fans for an incredible day 24 hours earlier as he took charge of his final match at Old Trafford.
He added: “Yesterday was a day I will never forget. I thank you for that.”
He then urged the fans to support the club’s Under-21 team for a match they will play against Liverpool at Old Trafford today.
Ferguson infamously challenged the club to knock Liverpool off their perch when he took over in 1986.
And he said: “We play that mob across the road. I hope some of you cheer the young lads on.”
It was Ferguson’s 13th title — and 38th trophy — in charge of United.
But the revelry was not enough to make the Scot think standing down in favour of Moyes was a wrong move.
He said: “You always think about whether you are doing the right thing.
“But I think it is the right time. I really do.”
And winger Ryan Giggs, who has played a part in virtually all of those triumphs, admitted it will be sad to see his boss go.
Giggs explained: “It has been tough, especially for the players who have known him for a long time.
“We are delighted we were able to end on a high.”
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