Manchester United's 2007/08 title triumph was surely one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most satisfying, not least because it was the 10th title won under his tenure, and one achieved with a vibrant young side, possessing the potential to go on to further glory.

But for long spells, United's retention of the trophy they won the previous season looked far from certain. Not least in February when Ferguson admitted his concern at the five-point gap between his side and leaders Arsenal. However, the Gunners' subsequent drop in form, coupled with Chelsea's consistent string of results meant that it was the Red Devils and the Blues going toe-to-toe in the final weeks of the season.

By the time the final day came around, Chelsea had whittled down United's lead, meaning Sir Alex's men were only ahead on goal difference, albeit by a margin of 18. So the United manager knew that a victory away at Wigan Athletic would bring the title back to Old Trafford for a second year running. Hope sprung eternal at Stamford Bridge, but players and fans alike accepted that it was out of their hands as they welcomed Bolton Wanderers to Stamford Bridge.

United were the first to strike as Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 31st Barclays Premier League goal of an astonishing personal season from the penalty spot to give the Red Devils the lead against a Wigan side showing plenty of heart. However, Andriy Shevchenko's goal just after the hour at Stamford Bridge meant that a Wigan goal at the JJB Stadium would have been potentially fatal for Ferguson's team. United's fears were allayed with ten minutes remaining when Ryan Giggs beat Chris Kirkland with a low shot to complete a 2-0 win. Back at the Bridge, all optimism had drained away, and Matthew Taylor rubbed salt into Chelsea wounds with a last minute equaliser as United were crowned best in the land for a second season running.

1994/95 Blackburn Rovers

For pure final day drama, it could be argued that Sunday 14th May 1995 has never been matched in Premier League history. Blackburn Rovers led Manchester United by two points, but had an inferior goal difference. Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn faced a daunting trip to Liverpool, while West Ham United lay in wait for United at Upton Park.

Alan Shearer, one half of the prolific 'SAS' partnership with Chris Sutton, put Blackburn into the lead at Liverpool and news of a goal for West Ham's Michael Hughes had the Rovers fans jigging with delight. However, John Barnes levelled for a Liverpool side with only pride to play for, and United equalised themselves at Upton Park thanks to Brian McClair. The pendulum was starting to swing United's way and they knew that a winner against the Hammers would be enough to seal glory, as long as Blackburn did not find another goal at Anfield. Rovers didn't, and a late Jamie Redknapp effort saw them beaten 2-1, but United could find no way past an inspired Ludek Miklosko between the West Ham posts, despite laying siege on the goal. It ended 1-1 and Rovers won their only Premier League title to date.

Blackburn goalkeeper Tim Flowers said: "It means everything, absolutely everything. We have proved we're the best over 42 games. That's what it takes to win this trophy and that's what we've done."

1995/96 Manchester United

This season was remarkable for Newcastle United's amazing surrender of a 12-point lead over Manchester United. The experience of Sir Alex's side gleaned from previous title races appeared to pay handsome dividends as they relentlessly gnawed away at the Magpies' lead. So much so, that they actually held a two-point advantage over their rivals going into the final match of the season against Middlesbrough at The Riverside Stadium. Kevin Keegan's Newcastle entertained Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park.

Sunday 5th May lacked the thrills and spills of that final day the previous season as David May, Andy Cole and Ryan Giggs all netted in a comfortable 3-0 win for United at Middlesbrough. Newcastle could not muster a victory against Spurs, going a goal behind to a 57th minute Jason Dozzell effort, only for Les Ferdinand to equalise a few minutes later. It finished 1-1, and Manchester United lay to rest the ghosts of a year earlier.

Ferguson said: "We have shown faith in the youngsters and they have come good. They're a group of footballers who can take us to more success for years and years to come. At times they have been marvellous.''

1998/99 Manchester United

This was United's glorious treble-winning season, but Arsenal pushed them all the way for the title and for a few minutes on the final day, it looked as if they may actually win it. Arsene Wenger's side trailed United by a point going into the matches. United were hosting Arsenal's rivals Tottenham, while the Gunners were entertaining Aston Villa at Highbury.

Les Ferdinand gave Tottenham a shock lead at Old Trafford, and there were rare scenes at Highbury, with Arsenal supporters actually cheering a Spurs goal. However, David Beckham equalised before the break and it was 2-1 within two minutes of the restart as Andy Cole found the net for United. Arsenal had gone in 0-0 at half-time with Aston Villa, but they at least held their part of the bargain as Kanu netted from close-range to give them a 1-0 win. Any lapse from United would have gifted the Gunners the title, but the slip-up Wenger's men so desired never arrived and Arsenal looked on as the Red Devils completed the first leg of their historic treble.

Arsenal defender Martin Keown said: "Unlike finishing runners-up in a cup final, it hurts even more to come so close, when a whole season ultimately comes down to a single goal."