Van Nistelrooy is in inspired form Title race in pictures

Sir Alex Ferguson has pinpointed Ruud van Nistelrooy as the crucial difference in Manchester United taking the Premiership title off Arsenal.

Van Nistelrooy has been the spearhead for United's charge to their eighth title in 11 seasons with 43 goals - including 14 in his last nine games.

And Ferguson said: "I think Ruud van Nistelrooy's form has without question been the deciding factor.

"When a centre-forward like that scores the number of goals in the important games that he has, it has to be the difference between the two teams.

"I knew he was going to become a great player. But I didn't know quite how good he was going to become, I must say that, because he has surprised me almost every week."

To come from so far off the pace to catch Arsenal was marvellous Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson admitted he was delighted to have put his retirement plans on hold after an enthralling - and victorious - battle with Arsenal.

He added: "When anyone loses a title, particularly one that was in Arsenal's grasp for a long time, I think it will be a big disappointment to them.

"But the battle's over. We expect them to be challengers next year.

"And we look forward to that because I think from my own personal situation, I feel that my decision to not retire is the best decision I've probably made."

Ferguson praised the character of his players as they clawed back an eight-point Arsenal lead.

He said: "To be so many points behind and come from so far off the pace to catch them on the line so to speak, it was marvellous.

"Our form in recent weeks has been unbelievable. Four goals against Liverpool, six against Newcastle, two down at Highbury, three against Blackburn Rovers, two down at Tottenham, four against Charlton.

"It's been absolutely magnificent."