Rio savours title success

Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand admits that he is delighted to have got one over on rivals Liverpool by denying them the Premier League title. The Red Devils claimed their 18th domestic title at the weekend, which puts them level with Liverpool. But for the first time since the Premier League came into being, Liverpool were United's closest rivals for top spot. And Ferdinand admits it is all the sweeter to have won, because it came at Liverpool's expense. "It's been a bit more intense because it's a lot closer to home than when it's Chelsea or Arsenal challenging you," he said in The Sun. "Suddenly everywhere you go at the moment there's a Liverpool fan. "You get a bit of respite when your main rivals is one of the London clubs, but because we're such close neighbours up here there's always something being said. "And of course the rivalry between the clubs goes back a long way." And he admits claiming a 19th title is now one of their main aims: "Yes, especially as we would have beaten them to do it. Overtaking that record would definitely be the next aim." Ferdinand feels that winning the Club World Cup in December was the turning point in United's season. "It was definitely a big turning point," he said. "When you're really in the thick of the English season you sometimes can't focus properly or see where you're aiming for. "Going to Japan allowed us to take a step back and refocus and by coming home with the trophy, we got that winning feeling back, which was important. "The fact other teams hadn't really taken advantage of us being away was another incentive to make sure we went on a good run and thankfully we did." The England star admits he thinks it was right that Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs shared the individual honours. Giggs was named PFA Player of the Year, whilst Vidic scooped all the honours voted for by United's fans and players. "I don't think you can split Giggsy and Vidic. Vida has played more games than anyone and been consistently top drawer," he said. "The same goes for Giggsy - he's always been one of our best players, if not the best, whenever he's played." Ferdinand, who has missed the last few games of the season with a calf injury, is unlikely to play in the final game of season at Hull as he looks set to concentrate on making the UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona. And he knows the task ahead in Rome is a big one. "I think everyone has enjoyed watching them this season," he said. "They've played really open, attacking football and have scored a lot of goals. "So we know they're dangerous, but if we can defend well we've got players capable of doing the business at the other end. "It's a prestige final and, as players, to be up against a club with the history of Barcelona is the stuff of dreams. "You just hope you can be part of a successful team that plays in a great final."

Source: SKY_Sports