Ferguson plans '21st' celebrations

LONDON, England -- Manchester United's legendary manager Alex Ferguson celebrated 21 years in charge at Old Trafford on Tuesday and his hunger for victory shows no sign of abating.

The 65-year-old marked the landmark by taking training at the club's Carrington training facility ahead of Wednesday's Champions League group match against Dynamo Kiev.

Victory would see United qualify for the knockout stages as they chase a second triumph under Ferguson in Europe's most prestigious club competition.

"We have had our disappointments on the Champions League trail but this season I really believe we are capable of going all the way," he said.

"I'm very positive we can win the competition. I think this team can go far but there are certain things that have to fall in place, namely having a good strong squad by the time you get to March and of course I can't dictate that. You either have injuries at important times or you don't.

"The players clearly want to do well in the Champions League and if you are one of the best you naturally look to spell it out with cups and medals, otherwise you are in danger of ending your career as a nearly man. And I don't think a single Manchester United player wants that.

"So am I just whistling in the dark? Talk comes cheap, I know, but I think we have built a platform that, with just a little bit of luck, will launch us on our way to capture this most elusive of trophies.

"We came close last season but fell at the penultimate hurdle when we ran out of steam.

"But this year we are stronger and more experienced. There has always been great ability in our teams but this one is maturing fast and I am convinced the players are ready to deliver."

As well as chasing European glory, Ferguson hopes his United team can secure a 10th Premier League title having wrested the crown from Jose Mourinho's Chelsea last season.

While Mourinho departed Stamford Bridge this campaign, Ferguson remains the longest-serving manager in the top-flight of English football having taken over at United on November 6, 1986.

His first game in charge saw a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United and his first three seasons were marked by a lack of success that left the Scot under pressure for his job.

But a 1990 FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace and victory in the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season kick-started United's trophy rush which also coincided with the start of a money-rich Premier League, backed by massive television deals.

Ferguson nurtured young homegrown talent such as David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers Gary and Phil and alongside Roy Keane they were to provide the backbone of a team which dominated English football in the 1990s.

Add the flair and artistry supplied by foreign imports such as Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy and latterly Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ferguson's recipe for success has been enduring.

His most notable achievement came with the famous treble-winning side of 1999 which gave Ferguson his one and only success in the Champions League and led to him being knighted later that year.

United's pre-eminence as the leading club in English football has come under challenge intermittently from Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, who top the current standings from the Red Devils, and big-spending Chelsea, but Ferguson's achievements remain unmatched.

His roll of honor stands at nine Premier League titles, five FA Cup wins, two League Cup victories plus the European Champions League, European Cup Winners Cup and European Super Cup titles.

Before taking charge at United, Ferguson established his reputation as a leading football manager by guiding unheralded Aberdeen to the Scottish title and the European Cup Winners Cup.

But judging by his reaction to Arsenal's late equalizer at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to deny United a win that would have taken them to the top of the table, Ferguson shows no sign of resting on his considerable laurels. E-mail to a friend