Manchester United played like champions to spell out loud and clear that they have a burning desire to keep their crown.
The sloppy display against Newcastle suggested they felt content to rest on their laurels, but after their magnificent victory at Villa Park last night there can be no doubt that they are as hungry as ever.
Fergie's Verdict
"You can't help enjoy a game like that, one of the best I have ever been involved with. Both sides contributed. We made a great start to show character and make up for the disappointment against Newcastle.
Villa could have won it at one point and you need a bit of luck such as when Richardson hit the post, but overall I thought we shaded it. Ince was magnificent and of course Sharpe did very well with his goals. We have a tremendous amount of pace in the team and there wasn't a player on the field who did not contribute."
Man of the Match
Paul Ince brought guts and guile to a devastating display.
