Manchester United seal 18th league title as Carlos Tevez says a farewell to Old Traffford

Guess what? They're human. Even living legends shiver in history's shadow.

Manchester United were seized by the scale of their ambitions, the significance of their achievements.

Yet at precisely 2.43 yesterday afternoon, Old Trafford was consumed by an explosion of relief, joy and vindictiveness.

A neurotic goalless draw with Arsenal was forgotten.

The record books had been revised - United had won their 18th Championship.

Banners sprang up across the Stretford End, like flowers after summer rain.

"MUFC, Making History", read one. "18 titles - that's a fact", boomed another.

As the trophy was presented, a day of sunshine and showers was decorated by red and silver streamers.

Amid the thunder of the usual pyrotechnics, you could hear the thud of Liverpool being knocked off their perch.

"Are you watching, Merseyside?" the hordes inquired.

They unveiled yet another banner: "Rafa - 19 years and counting".

Sir Alex Ferguson, briefly transformed into a doting Grandad when players' families were ushered into the celebrations, warmed to his script. Liverpool's 4-1 win at United earlier this season was "a travesty".

He gave notice they will be going "all out" to go one better than them, with a 19th title next season.

And yet as he completed the formalities of being a cheerleader - "It doesn't get better than this" he exulted over the public address system - the fans got their retaliation in first.

"Fergie, Fergie sign him up" they implored, stopping the manager, mid sentence.

It was the familiar soundtrack of doomed devotion to Carlos Tevez. The little striker was a poignant figure, last man in the lap of honour.

He was swathed in an Argentine flag, and carried his infant daughter, whom he had taken on to the pitch before kick-off

That privilege was a farewell gesture, rather than a symbol of solidarity.

You fear for an uncomplicated character, trapped in the most complicated of situations.

His substitution, sealed with a kiss on Ji-Sung Park's cheek, was booed to the echo.

He waved his gratitude, but his greatest sin is the company he keeps. Will he stay? "Very difficult" appears one of the few English phrases he knows. Fergie will draw up new targets, draw on familiar emotions. He will focus on new horizons, insist on loyalty and obedience.

He will certainly not become Mr Congeniality overnight.

No one is more forensic about detecting weakness, predicting problems, diminishing reputations. Those who challenge his culture, or reach the end of their usefulness, will be out of the door before they pause to draw breath.

Celebrity will offer no protection. Ferguson will balance the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo's talent, against the implications of excusing his tantrums.

He'll be clinical, calculating. He will expect his rivals to match his ruthlessness, respond to his remorselessness.

Rafa Benitez is the new bogeyman in town. In his world, United don't win League championships. They merely have more points than the rest.

Slowly, however, he is emulating Fergie and Arsene Wenger and creating a club in his own image.

The penny has not dropped, for the moneybags at Chelsea. They enter next season in all-too familiar state of transition. A new manager will bring uncertainty, whatever his merits. The slate will be wiped clean - again.

Fickle Arsenal fans should be careful what they wish for.

Wenger deserves more respect, greater leeway. United know from bitter experience that a lifetime's work can be undermined in an instant.

Real Madrid will take Wenger off Arsenal's hands in a heartbeat, and Fergie hailed him as a kindred spirit.

He will ensure the circle of life at Old Trafford continues.

sport@sundaymirror.co.uk