Man Utd set the standard

Sir Alex Ferguson's men have strolled to another title

BBC Sport Online chief football writer Phil McNulty examines how Manchester United cantered to the title without consistently hitting top gear - and asks will be different next term?

Manchester United won a third successive Premiership title without breaking sweat - the seventh of Sir Alex Ferguson's silver-lined Old Trafford reign.

And yet the club is shrouded in talk that Manchester United's all-conquering squad is jaded and in need of a major summer re-fit to maintain Old Trafford's expectations.

This is a sign of the standards demanded at the so-called "Theatre of Dreams" - and a sad reflection on those claiming to be contenders to United's crown.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Leeds counterpart David O'Leary have openly admitted the league season has been a source of some embarrassment to them.

United romped to an 18-point title triumph last term, prompting serious spending at Liverpool, Leeds, Arsenal and Chelsea last summer to prevent an action replay this season.

Houllier's food for thought

And while the usual suspects have led the chasing pack, none have ever seriously threatened United's supremacy for a second this season.

It has been the sort of one-sided season, and indeed era, that used to bring such criticism of Scottish football when Walter Smith's Glasgow Rangers ruled the roost.

United have produced displays of sublime brilliance, notably the 6-1 demolition of Arsenal in February, but it is to the eternal shame of others that they have remained resolutely within themselves for the rest of the campaign.

Fabien Barthez has given United the security they needed in goal after the adventures with Mark Bosnich and Massimo Taibi.

And yet Jaap Stam missed a huge chunk of the season with injury, David Beckham has not been at his best, while Dwight Yorke has also struggled to hit top form.

Teddy Sheringham has been a revelation, even at this stage of his career, with his brilliant performances this season.

But few United stars have been required to produce outstanding performances on a consistent basis to see off the flimsy challengers to the title.

The question now on the lips of neutrals as well as those hoping to snatch the title next season is - will it be any different next time around?

Wenger - inconsistency

Liverpool have achieved their first league double over Manchester United for 22 years, a source of some celebration at Anfield, where they have long tired of watching the Old Trafford trophy parades.

Leeds, meanwhile, have hit a hot streak and even emerged as a force in Europe.

And this may be the biggest hint as to how the championship chase may unfold in future.

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is ahead of schedule in his plan to fashion a title winning team, but has been let down by early defensive inconsistencies and too many expensive away losses.

Houllier will be given the go-ahead by the Anfield board to spend big again in the summer, expanding an increasingly-talented squad.

Liverpool may see an even better and fitter Steven Gerrard next season, while the powerful Emile Heskey may have moved on to the next stage of his development.

Leeds have again suffered for inconsistency, but additions to their squad - as well as ensuring they keep rich talent such as Mark Viduka - will surely ensure a better effort in the league next year.

O'Leary's high hopes

Arsenal will, of course, roll on and they may also benefit from their vitally important French contingent having a relatively restful summer.

Chelsea, not for the first time, have flattered to deceive and much depends on the talent coach Claudio Ranieri can bring to Stamford Bridge.

And this brings us back to where we started - namely the simple fact that the destination of next season's title still rests in the hands of Manchester United.

Captain Roy Keane has hinted Ferguson will inject fresh faces into his squad - and you can be sure the manager will see the growing threat from elsewhere.

Beckham has been quiet

Ferguson will not want his Old Trafford era to end quietly, and all the signs are that he will make a spectacular summer splash in the transfer market.

United have set the benchmark for the last decade - and Ferguson will expect them to do exactly the same next season.

But Messrs. Houllier, O'Leary and Wenger may just have more cause for hope next August.