First blood goes the way of United

ALEX FERGUSON held the Community Shield aloft with such enthusiasm following his team’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea that he looked more like an eight-year-old on a Wembley stadium tour than battle-hardened manager about to undergo his 24th season in football’s toughest league.

And that, in a nutshell, is precisely why no-one should rule Manchester United out of the race to be crowned champions in 2011.

Ferguson’s often stern and frequently fiery features were transformed by a wide smile and glinting eyes as he stood last in line beneath Wembley’s Royal Box to receive the trophy he has already held eight times before.