The 4-1 demolition of West Ham at Old Trafford means United will be champions if they beat Wigan next Sunday, and they will be all but certain of winning it sooner than that if Chelsea do not get something at Newcastle on Monday.

And while Ferguson is urging caution, he also exudes the air of a man who believes a 10th Premier League crown will be his.

"We have not won anything yet but we hope we can win the league next week," said Ferguson.

"There was a bit of nervousness in our play at times but we killed the game in the second half to continue what has been a fantastic season so far."

Ferguson had nothing but praise for Cristiano Ronaldo, whose first-half double took him to 40 for the season and left him just one adrift of Alan Shearer's 31-goal Premier League record.

"How many players could score that many?" reflected the United boss.

"He is improving all the time. He always wants the ball, which takes a lot of courage, and don't forget, while he played up front today, he has spent 90% of the season on the wing."

Ferguson confirmed Nemanja Vidic has a chance of featuring at Wigan next week, although Wayne Rooney remains a doubt.

There was no comment on rumours that Rooney is suffering a hernia problem that could rule him out of the Champions League final rather than the hip complaint Ferguson has reported but the Scot did suggest the England forward could be involved in eight days' time.

"Wayne is improving all the time," said Ferguson.

"He was with us today but we felt it was just too early. We will do our best to get him fit for next week."

However, one man who will be involved is Ryan Giggs.

After a trawl through the United history books, it has now been established Sir Bobby Charlton's club record has been reduced to 758 appearances.

It leaves Giggs just one adrift with two games to go - and Ferguson reckons the Welshman will draw level at Wigan and break it against Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on May 21.

"He has a great chance," said the United boss.

Alan Curbishley refused to speak after the game but assistant Mervyn Day played down comments which seemed to suggest the Hammers boss wanted United to win the league in preference to Chelsea.

"He tried to qualify some of his comments," said Day.

"He felt Manchester United would be unlucky if they did not win the league, given they have been so dominant.

"I don't think he said he wanted them to win.

"I know Alan thinks a lot of Sir Alex but that goes out the window when you cross the white line."