The Welsh winger marked his record-equalling 758th appearance for the club by grabbing a crucial second goal 10 minutes from time after stepping off the bench.

Cristiano Ronaldo made the breakthrough in the 33rd minute from the penalty spot with his 41st goal of a remarkable campaign.

But Wigan made a brave fight of it and Giggs, who drew level on United appearances with Sir Bobby Charlton, secured the victory with a cool finish.

Ferguson said: "It is fantastic for Ryan to get the goal that matters. Maybe it is fate.

"He deserves it. I have known him for 20 years and he has been a credit to the game.

"For him to to equal the record then to get the goal that wins the title is just fantastic."

Giggs insists winning trophies is what motivates him and United have a Champions League final against Chelsea on May 21 to look forward to.

He told Sky Sports News: "It was a great goal to settle us down - it gave us a two-goal cushion.

"I said before the game that I am not bothered about records. This is what it is about, championships and trophies. I hope we can win another one in 10 days' time."

Chelsea could only manage a 1-1 draw against Bolton at Stamford Bridge and Ferguson was quick to remind them who has the psychological advantage ahead of the Champions League showdown.

"If we had lost the title today, it would have been a great knock but the great thing is we are bouncing into the final," he said.

Asked if United's latest triumph reinforced his determination to carry on as manager, Ferguson replied: "I am very proud to have survived so long but I am at a great club which makes it easier for me than the rest."

Ferguson, who has won 10 titles during his reign, also predicted the current United side will overhaul Liverpool's total of 18 titles. United now have 17.

"I think it will come. This side is young. There is plenty left in them," the Scot said.

Ferguson admitted Wigan had given United a stern test on their way to a title-clinching victory.

He said: "It was a tough one all right. For most of the game, we played well but there were some nervous moments."

United might have been reduced to 10 men in the first half when Paul Scholes, already on a yellow card, blocked off Wilson Palacios but referee Steve Bennett gave him a final warning instead.

"We were a bit lucky," said Ferguson. "The first tackle was reckless and he deserved to be booked but the second one was nothing."

Ferguson was pleased his players had been able to maintain control of their own destiny.

He added: "We had to concentrate on our own game and I think we did that okay. Just after half-time, we started to get a grip of it and I was pleased with that second goal."

Wayne Rooney expressed United's determination to win the title.

He said: "We have got the hunger and we knew coming into the last two games that six points and we would be champions."

Rio Ferdinand added: "Credit to Wigan - they gave us a tough game today. It's just a fantastic feeling to win the trophy."