Ferguson, in his 13th year at Old Trafford, picked up his fourth manager of the year accolade, regaining the title from Arsenal's Arsene Wenger.

A spokesman for the Premiership sponsors said: "His team is the perfect ambassador for the Premiership and Alex can take a good deal of credit for helping make this league the most exciting and entertaining in the world."

Ferguson now has his sights on a dream treble.

His side face Newcastle United in the FA Cup final on Saturday - and German giants Bayern Munich in the European Cup final on May 26.

"We have to go to Wembley and win and then Barcelona for the greatest day of our lives," Ferguson said. "We are going to enjoy ourselves."

But Ferguson admitted the 2-1 victory over Tottenham that handed the Red Devils the title had given him no end of heart-stopping moments.

"It was tense, very tense," he smiled.

"It's the nature of things at United that we make it hard work for ourselves. We did that by going a goal behind."

Super sub

The turning point in the contest came at half-time, when Ferguson replaced Teddy Sheringham with Andy Cole, who scored what proved to be the winner just minutes after coming on.

United skipper Roy Keane tackles Justin Edinburgh

Ferguson explained: "I had a feeling Andy would score. I thought we did well in the first half and I fancied our chances in the second half."

The manager also paid tribute to goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who is leaving the club at the end of the season and played his last ever game at Old Trafford.

"I will miss Peter, he is the best goalkeeper I have ever seen in my life," said Ferguson.

He has now equalled fellow Scot Sir Matt Busby in winning five championships.

"I always knew when I came here that one day we would win the championship but to do it again and here at Old Trafford is brilliant," he added.

"It has been a privilege to follow Sir Matt Busby. He is the bedrock of Manchester United."

Fergie is 'top man'

An emotional Schmeichel said: "Alex Ferguson is the top man in the world for me. I am very proud of what he said about me.

"I will miss it all a lot but I have made my mind up to leave. I can always remember this day.