Sir Alex Ferguson: Title race boring? No way!

Sir Alex Ferguson reckons the final day title shoot-out is proof that the Premier League remains the best in the world.

Despite Newcastle chief Kevin Keegan insisting that the division is predictable, Fergie says a monopoly of the league is now impossible.

His Manchester United side go into Sunday's games level on points with second-placed Chelsea and the title could well be decided on goal difference

"Domination in the Premier League is very difficult and it's not a word that will be used again," said Fergie, whose club won seven of the first nine titles after the league was launched in 1992.

"People have been saying for some time now that the Premier League is the best football championship in Europe, if not the world.

"This season's championship race simply underlines the point.

"It's so dramatic, so cutthroat, exciting, skilful and fast - and it is going right to the finishing line."

This year is the first in Premier League history where the top two sides have entered the final day level on points, with United away at Wigan and Chelsea at home to Bolton on the day of reckoning.

Gone are the days when United used to win the title with several games to spare or by a landslide margin, as they did in the 1999-00 season when they finished 18 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

With not a point separating United and Chelsea, Fergie will be happy for both clubs to win their final games on Sunday, so his side's superior goal difference clinches him a 10th Premier League trophy.

"As we've seen this season, winning the title is very difficult," said Fergie.

"If us and Chelsea win our final game I will be very happy, because our goal difference is so much better than theirs."

And in contrast to Newcastle boss Keegan, who branded the Premier League "boring" because of the domination of the bigger clubs, Fergie claimed it remained the most competitive in the world.

"It would be impossible to make the Premier League any more attractive than it is, which is why more than 200 countries take our top matches on television," said Fergie.

"I'm told the figure was 230 when we played Arsenal recently. To be honest, I didn't think I knew there were that many countries in the world.

"Essentially, it's the way we play the game that makes it so attractive, and I also believe the increasingly competitive nature of the league is a big factor too.

"There just isn't a 'dead cert' outcome when it comes to predicting results.

"Some people say the big clubs with their cash are squeezing the others into becoming also-rans, but I don't see it. There has been a definite tightening up in the Premier League.

"Yes, it's now a two-horse race on the home straight between us and Chelsea.

"But Arsenal were right up there until recently and Liverpool were always a threat, while several other sides were close to breaking into the leading group at one point.

"Everton and Aston Villa have narrowed the gap on the so-called top four this season.

"The days of the long, two-horse race for the title have gone. In fact, there are a number of teams in the division who have had a vital say in the destination of the title.

"Bolton took three points off us this season and Derby gave us a fright at their place.

"Middlesbrough have also taken points off Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as a couple off us.

"So there are no easy games and who knows what's going to happen in the remaining fixtures?"

Sir Alex has only lost his final game TWICE before..

Manchester United's match at Wigan on Sunday will be the 22nd time Sir Alex Ferguson has taken charge of the club on the final day of the season - a fixture he has only lost twice.

United need a victory to secure the title, and have won 10 of their previous 15 last-day games.

2006-07: Lost 1-0 v West Ham

2005-06: Won 4-0 v Charlton

2004-05: Won 2-1 at Southampton

2003-04: Won 2-0 at Aston Villa

2002-03: Won 2-1 v Everton

2001-02: Drew 0-0 v Charlton

2000-01: Lost 3-1 at Spurs

1999-00: Won 1-0 at Villa

1998-99: Won 2-1 v Spurs

1997-98: Won 2-0 at Barnsley

1996-97: Won 2-0 v W Ham

1995-96: Won 3-0 at Middlesbrough

1994-95: Drew 1-1 at West Ham

1993-94: Drew 0-0 v Coventry

1992-93: Won 2 - 1 at Wimbledon