Sky Sports analyst Andy Gray writes a great article about what separated Manchester United from the pack this season, en route to their 3rd straight English Premier League Championship.
Sir Alex Ferguson's ability to maintain a high level of expectations and demands on his players was a key component for their success.
It's been a hard season for them, not only because they've played so many games but because after winning two consecutive crowns the other teams chasing them were more determined than ever.
But they've coped with that pressure extremely well because manager Sir Alex Ferguson has set the highest of standards and refused to let them drop, even slightly.
There's no chance he will ever let that happen. Sir Alex sets the benchmark and if the players don't like it they won't be at Old Trafford for long. It's that simple.
Arsene Wenger, Rafael Benitez and even Guus Hiddink have all earned respect over the years as managers but what separates Sir Alex apart from the rest is his ability to keep winning titles even when he is rebuilding his side.
He's put three or four teams together during his tenure and yet that process seems to have been seamless: it's an unbelievable strength that Sir Alex has.
In his early management days he would have treated all of his players the same and blasted everyone; but over the years he has adopted a far more flexible management style to ensure that he copes with the demands of today's game.
In his early management days he would have treated all of his players the same and blasted everyone; but over the years he has adopted a far more flexible management style to ensure that he copes with the demands of today's game.
Many players today won't accept too much stick but will just walk away so, Sir Alex has had to go through a transition and adapt his style - and he's done so successfully without compromising his position as an established manager.
Liverpool used to be the team who set the standards; they were the team to catch but through the life and times of the Premier League Sir Alex has ensured that has become United's domain. Now they have joined the Reds on 18 top-flight titles - a sensational achievement.
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