Manchester United celebrate winning the Barclays Premier League trophy
By Steve Wyeth BBC Radio Manchester
Hyperbole tends to follow any sporting triumph, emotionally-charged hysteria spilling into discussion about how this success might compare to previous triumphs.
With the red, white and black ribbons tied to the trophy before Arsenal even considered spoiling the party there was plenty of preparation time for such debate.
As Manchester United were crowned Premier League champions for an 11th time had the class of 2009 surpassed all others under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson?
For many hardened Stretford Enders the conversation starts and ends with the treble winners of a decade ago. The European Cup triumph in Barcelona came so soon after the League and FA Cup titles were secured that the argument is compelling.
Others come over misty-eyed about the United team that ended the barren years without a championship victory in 1993, and again in 1994. It was a team that contained the likes of Schmeichel, Bruce, Pallister, Keane, Giggs, Hughes and, of course, Cantona.
However, surely teams are ultimately judged on silverware won? The current United must compare favourably, especially if they become the first side to retain the Uefa Champions League.
Ryan Giggs, like his boss, has all 11 Premier League medals in his collection.
"This squad is up there because we've been there and done it. Squad wise this is the strongest I've been involved in. Team-wise, it's probably the best because of what we've won and what we could achieve in the future," he said.
Club captain Gary Neville also made his debut before the first Premier League title was secured.
"I think the squad is, without a shadow of a doubt, the strongest. The strength in depth is incredible. You can't compare this squad with the rest because this one is stronger," he said.
Resilience and an ability to get the job done have characterised United. They already held the patent on dramatic late goals, but more so than ever this season they have found a way to win that eluded their rivals.
Rookie striker Federico Macheda was an instant hit at Old Trafford
The come-from-behind victory over Aston Villa that introduced Federico Macheda to the headlines, and the fight back from 2-0 down to beat Spurs 5-2, will be popular on the end-of-season DVD. However, the key moment might have come on Boxing Day.
United were seven points off the pace when they departed for Japan and the Fifa Club World Cup in December. It was a distraction many felt would seriously undermine their Premier League defence.
However, Liverpool failed to build on that advantage in United's absence and within four days of their return, with another addition to the trophy cabinet and their body clocks still scrambled, they ground out a crucial 1-0 win at Stoke.
By the end of January, United had turned those arrears into a comfortable advantage. In a matter of weeks their rivals had gone from a position of dominance to hoping the champions would stutter. It never happened.
That Stoke result, also highlighted by Ferguson as the single most important of the season, helps illustrate why United, and not Liverpool, clinched the title.
Despite the jet-lag, United found a way to take the points. Liverpool twice played out goalless draws against the same team.
In between their scintillating Champions League victories over Real Madrid, Liverpool lost to Middlesbrough. While knocking out Inter Milan at the same stage United also won matches in three other competitions, including the Carling Cup final.
"This season has been as much about digging in and fighting for results rather than producing brilliant football," said Neville.
Certainly, United did not defend the title with the cavalier brand of football they did last year, but they did not need to.
Instead, we'll remember a record-breaking run of 14 matches without conceding a goal and Ferguson's ability to make changes to his side without interrupting its winning rhythm.
The victories weren't always masterpieces, but they were too numerous for the margin of error their challengers ultimately required.
Steve Wyeth commentates on Manchester United matches for BBC Radio Manchester
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