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Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson applauds Man City title win

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has congratulated Manchester City on pipping them to the Premier League title on goal difference.

But the Scot also warned that United would come back stronger when they try to overhaul their rivals next season.

"On behalf of Manchester United I congratulate Manchester City on winning the Premier League," said Ferguson.

"It's not an easy league to win and anyone who wins it deserves it because it is a long haul."

United would have won the title with scores as they were at 90 minutes. They had beaten Sunderland 1-0 and City were trailing QPR 2-1.

But City scored twice in injury time to finish ahead of United and claim their first title since 1968.

Ferguson said: "They [City] can go on as much as they like. That's what you would expect, but the history of our club stands us aside.

"We don't need to worry about that. I think we have a rich history, better than anyone, and it will take them a century to get to our level of history.

"But for us it's still a challenge and we're good at challenges. We'll kick on from here.

"The players are very disappointed. There's no other way they should be. They conducted themselves brilliantly [against Sunderland], played really good football and, but for the Sunderland keeper, it could have been six or seven.

"So the performance level was good considering the pressure they were under. They never showed that at all and the temperament was terrific.

"And I'm pleased with their performance this season. With 89 points, it would have been good enough to win most leagues."

Ferguson insisted there was "no doubt" he was relishing the challenge provided by City and that his squad would learn from the disappointment of losing out on the title.

"Experiences of a good type enthuse people but, when they have a bad one, it brings a sense of determination in you," Ferguson said.

"The players we think we have here, the younger players, they've got a good resolve about them. There should be a good response because they have got the right character.

"It [losing the title] shouldn't do them any harm. We don't like doing it but, at the end of the day, you have to kick on and take the challenges because we are good at that."

Premier League - Match facts: Sunderland v Manchester United

There have been more direct free kick goals in PL games involving Sunderland than any other team (5 scored, 4 conceded).

United have lost just two of their last 17 Premier League games, both by a 0-1 scoreline away from home and in their last two away games.

Three of the last five goals Manchester United have scored against Sunderland have been own goals by the Wearsiders, two by Anton Ferdinand and one by Wes Brown.

The Black Cats have failed to score in eight of their last 10 league games against the Red Devils, including the last four in a row.

Man Utd have won 14 and lost none of their last 19 Premier League games against Sunderland.

Sunderland have gone seven Premier League games without a win, though they have drawn five of those.

27% of the goals Sunderland have conceded have been headers the highest proportion in the top flight.

Man Utd have scored the joint-most headers in the Premier League (15) this season.

Man Utd have won on the last day of the season in eight of the last nine seasons.

Sunderland’s win on the last day of 2010-11 (3-0 v West Ham) was their first in 10 Premier League seasons.

Two goals in this game will see Man Utd become only the fourth team in Premier League history to reach 90+ goals.

Man United set to make sensational move for Arsenal star

Manchester United are lining up a sensational move for Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie.

The 28-year-old has just one year left on his current deal at the Emirates and there has been intense speculation over whether he will remain at Arsenal.

Van Persie, who has hit 35 goals in all competitions this season, has stated that he will hold talks with Arsene Wenger over his future in the summer.

Manchester City are reportedly ready to pay the Dutchman £250,000 a week to quit north London, while Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked with moves.

Now United have joined the chase, with Sir Alex Ferguson planning to strengthen his squad this summer after a disappointing campaign that looks set to end without any silverware.

talkSPORT understands United have already sounded out the possibility of van Persie making a switch to Old Trafford, and are prepared to splash out big on the former Feyenoord man.

Manchester United captain Patrice Evra does not think it will be the "end of the empire" if they lose their Premier League crown to Manchester City.

United, who led by eight points one month ago, trail City on goal difference with one game left.

Evra said: "I know that if we don't win the league then a lot of people will say this is the end of the empire and ask how we will survive.

"But there is a lot of talent at this club."

Evra, who has captained United this season in the absence of Nemanja Vidic, has made more than 290 appearances for United since signing from Monaco in 2006, but he may have to wait to add to the four Premier League winners' medals he has picked up at Old Trafford.

To win a 20th league title, United need to better City's result against QPR when they face Sunderland on Sunday, or else win by eight more goals than their rivals.

However, Evra believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side have done well to take the title race to the final day of the season, in a campaign which has been disrupted by injures.

Vidic has been sidelined since December with knee ligament damage, while Darren Fletcher remains out of action with a bowel condition.

Tom Cleverley, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Michael Owen have also spent large chunks of the season in the treatment room - something Evra believes has had an impact in the title race.

"We've had to deal with a lot through injuries and losing experienced players last summer and it's never easy to find a solution immediately," the French defender added.