Ferguson rules out repeat Treble
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out a repeat of the club's historic 1999 Treble despite a formidable 11-point lead in the race for the Premiership title.
United have so far dominated the domestic scene this season and barring an unprecedented collapse during the second half of the campaign their main rivals are left to fight for second place.
Ferguson's side also sit at the top of their group in the second phase of the Champions League following wins over Panathinaikos and Sturm Graz.
And they will be keener than ever to make an impact in the FA Cup after controversially opting to withdraw from the competition last season in order to play in Fifa's inaugural World Club Championship.
But Ferguson, who insists he will be stepping down as manager at the end of next season, has told ITN News that another Treble is not a realistic target.
He said: "No, we won't get that. A lot of things went in our favour last time, no injuries leading up to the final, with only Roy Keane having a slight ankle injury.
"Henning Berg was the only player to miss the final through injury. We got a terrific trouble free run right the way through, that's what you need to get with cup ties in particular."
Ferguson, who has spent 16 years at the Old Trafford helm, is the undoubted champion when it comes to mind games and his comments could well be another masterstroke in his attempt to ease the pressure on his glory-chasing squad.
But he insisted: "I don't think it will ever happen again. I'm ruling out the Treble."
