Fergie has taste for more success

Ferguson and Keane lift the Premiership trophy

Manchester United's title party may have been soured by Derby's win at Old Trafford - but Sir Alex Ferguson still had a warning for the rest of the Premiership.

"At the end of the day I think Derby deserved their victory, and I am pleased for Jim Smith," said Ferguson.

"But it doesn't detract from a fantastic achievement by my players over the season.

This is not the end of this Manchester United team.... we want to continue the progress

  Sir Alex Ferguson

"The desire to do things the right way speaks volumes for their character and their ability. We are all proud of them."

He continued: "Winning that trophy means everything to everyone at this club.

"This is not the end of this Manchester United team. We want to continue the progress and success that the supporters deserve and we are going to get it again next year."

The Derby coach apparently stalled as it left Old Trafford.

And it was reportedly surrounded by United fans, who rocked the coach and threw items at the windows before security officers were called and a police escort guided the team out.

But there was little hiding the visitors' relief and joy after the win.

Derby boss Jim Smith said: "The lads were magnificent, they gave it everything.

It's the most brilliant day I've ever known

  Malcolm Christie

"It has been difficult but I never lost belief that we could do it. To do it at Old Trafford makes it even more special.

"We have shown this season what we can do against sides like Liverpool and now we have got a result at Manchester United.

"It's an enormous achievement and so important for this club - it's more important than ever to stay in the Premier League, but there's no way I want to be doing the same thing next year."

Malcolm Christie scored Derby's all-important winner with a shot into the corner of the net.

"It's the most brilliant day I've ever known," said Christie. "We came to Old Trafford and we were just not expected to win but we got there because of the great team performance."