Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he was convinced before the season kicked off that they'd win the Premier League.

Asked when he knew United had won the title Ferguson replied "August 17", apparently referring to the day before the start of the Premier League 2012/13 season.

He said: "I thought the players were really focussed. It was the disappointment. Adversity is the best recipe for success. If you'd seen our dressing room at Sunderland, the day we lost the league to Man City, you had a feeling about them.

"There's great character in this squad, enough experience, great resolve, and I felt we had a great chance, I really did."