Manchester United were today crowned champions of England for a record-equalling 18th time at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson's side might not have given Usain Bolt a goal to celebrate on his first visit to the Theatre of Dreams, but the Premier League trophy will do as consolation after a goalless draw with Arsenal ensured Liverpool cannot now catch their north-west rivals.

After over three decades as the unquestioned kings of English football, the Merseysiders now have someone else to share the title with. And, if Ferguson is to be believed, it will not be long before the Anfield outfit lose it altogether. "It'll make it more special when we are in front of them," he said. "Next year we are going for it again.

It'll make it more special when we are in front of them. Next year we are going for it again.
Sir Alex Ferguson on Manchester United equalling Liverpool's record 18 league titles

"It's a great side, a great squad. I could have picked two teams today. It's not easy. It was the longest 90 minutes in history. There was only one save in the match - it was a cautious match."

And the 67-year-old had a definitive response when asked whether retirement was an imminent possibility. "I am not contemplating it," affirmed Ferguson. "I am definitely not contemplating it. I am going to carry on and my health will tell me when to quit."

While the first half ended with United still on course for the 11th league title of Ferguson's illustrious reign, Arsenal had every reason to be pleased with themselves. After two below-par displays that surrendered their UEFA Champions League semi-final with the Red Devils, plus a heavy defeat on home soil by Chelsea, it was feared the Gunners would suffer yet another embarrassing loss.

It surely could not be a coincidence that Andrei Arshavin's return from a combination of being cup-tied and contracting a flu bug coincided with Arsenal's return to form. As Gunners fans search for reasons to be cheerful ahead of what will be another trophyless summer, the Russian playmaker is the main one.

Arshavin went on one mazy dribble from the left flank that would have opened United up totally had Jonny Evans not raced across to clear. The former Zenit star was also the provider of a cross lone striker Robin van Persie might easily have steered into the net, rather than just over.

Tevez goodbye?
However, Bolt, the world's fastest man, did not travel to Old Trafford to watch Arsenal. The hosts certainly started as if they meant business with Darren Fletcher almost sending Cristiano Ronaldo through inside the opening minute.

Yet, as time wore on, it seemed Ferguson's side were adopting a pragmatic approach to the situation, ensuring their goal was tight and secure, pushing forward in numbers only when really necessary. The energy of Carlos Tevez helped in that regard. Sometimes it seems the South American is doing the work of two men.

And, as the speculation over Tevez's future rumbles on, there is little doubt most United fans would want him signed permanently if at all possible. It seems highly improbable though. And when he responded to his number 32 being flashed up as the man to be replaced by Park Ji-sung, the response, a little shake of the head and a two-handed wave to all four corners of the stadium, looked for all the world like a goodbye.

There has, of course, never been any discussion over Wayne Rooney. Had voting for the various player of the year awards been based on the last two or three months' form alone, Rooney would surely have been top of the pile.

The England forward has added an extra level of consistency to his game that truly deserves him now to be ranked if not at the very top of the game, then only just underneath. Rooney stole in behind Bacary Sagna to head a teasing Michael Carrick cross wide, after earlier having an effort deflected away by Kolo Toure.

On the brink of his 11th championship, Ryan Giggs curled a free-kick over and was then off target with a volley. Ronaldo had an even better opportunity at the start of the second period, after Tevez had failed to manage a shot but done enough to nudge it into the Portugal superstar's path.

After offering his own sprinting guidance yesterday, Bolt must have thought Ronaldo would offer a fitting payment. Instead, he leant back and skied his shot into the Stretford End. In fairness, the Jamaican had chosen to come and watch his team on a rare day that they did not need to win.

For all the side issues surrounding Park's arrival, it suggested even less of an emphasis on attack, although Ronaldo did send one his trademark free-kicks whipping wide. It marked the end of United's attacking intent.

Fabregas and Van Persie had one last shot apiece at spoiling the party. But with the trophy ready and the tickets sorted, it seemed a shame to stop it.