Ferguson defends team selection

Man Utd rested players ahead of the FA Cup final on Saturday

Sir Alex Ferguson defended his team selection after Manchester United's 1-0 defeat by West Ham helped send Sheffield United into the Championship.

Ferguson fielded a weaker than expected team - much to the fury of the Blades.

"I feel for Sheffield United but we did our best and I don't think anyone can criticise us," argued Ferguson.

"We had 25 strikes at goal, four shots off the line and a penalty turned down. When Neil Warnock sees the stats he will understand we were unlucky."

Interview Man Utd assistant manager Carlos Queiroz

Ferguson felt the Londoners were the form team heading into the fateful final weekend.

"West Ham have been in championship form," he said.

"They were the team in the best form coming into these fixtures.

"Whether West Ham should be in the league is not for me to say but their keeper made a couple of fantastic saves at the end and we did all we could.

"The first half was a one-horse race, then they scored right at the end of it, which was disappointing for us but they got encouragement from it.

"We had our best team on the field at the end but we won the title last week and it is understandable that it took the edge off our game a little bit, so in that sense it was a good time for West Ham to play us."

Manchester United celebrated their ninth Premiership title by collecting the trophy and parading around the Old Trafford pitch.

Man Utd celebrated in style

And Ferguson is expecting more glory next season.

"We have got a young squad and we can definitely win it again," he stated.

"Winning is a fantastic elixir of life. It's gives you something extra and I think they will go on and do more next year.

"It is a fantastic achievement by the players at the club. We are the best team in the country and play the best football.

"When you see the trophy in our hands you really know you have achieved."