Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson
Arsenal's French manger Arsene Wenger (L) and Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson smile and shake hands before their FA Cup semi-final match at Villa Park in Birmingham April 3, 2004. REUTERS

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen has paid a glowing tribute to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson by hailing the Scot as the fundamental reason behind the Red Devils' Premier League title triumph last season.

The Manchester United manager was so instrumental that Hansen believes had he been in charge of any other top four side, they would have triumphed in the league last season.

The aforementioned Match of the Day pundit, who is well equipped to talk about title winning sides having amassed eight league winners' medals during his glittering Liverpool career, believes Manchester United's away form last season suggested they were not a vintage side by any means. Instead the insatiable appetite of Sir Alex Ferguson to win trophies dragged his side to victory and Manchester United's 19<sup>th league title.

Such is the Liverpool legend's admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson, Hansen would not bet against Manchester United overcoming the riches of Manchester City by winning the title yet again this season.

"It has to be Sir Alex Ferguson, simply for his ability to drag Manchester United to their 19th title last season." Hansen told the Daily Telegraph when choosing his manager of 2011.

"Away from home, Manchester United were as bad as they have ever been, but Sir Alex made the difference.

"Titles are usually all about players, with a sprinkling of the manager, but it was the other way around with Manchester United last season.

"Had he been in charge of any other top four team, they would have won the title and that is why I would not bet against Manchester United winning the league again this season, despite Manchester City's emergence."

Manchester United won the Premier League by eight points ahead of Chelsea last season.

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