He said:
"I'm bitterly disappointed. When you look at the whole season, taking in the FA Cup and Champions League, we are certainly the best team. United, though, found their form just at the right time during the title run-in.
"Are United worthy? I don't know. I don't think Manchester United were flying. They were consistent. Their last two games, for instance, were quite easy. We had Bolton and Leeds, who were both fighting for survival.
"I have not fought the whole season just to finish second. I have given every last drop of blood to make this club the best.
"It was very close. If we had beaten Bolton last weekend, we would certainly have won it. That was the turning point. We lost three players in five minutes and then you have to add Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell. If you miss half of the army it's very difficult."
"If we win the FA Cup it will not be a consolation because this is the one we wanted."