Sir Alex Ferguson expressed the hope that Manchester United fans would "have the biggest celebration of their lives" next week.
Ferguson watched Manchester United beat Swansea 2-0 in their final home game of the season, but knows the title destiny is out of their hands.
It does seem unlikely as United, whilst level on points with Manchester City, are eight goals behind the Blues on goal difference and realistically need to beat Sunderland away from home and hope relegation-threatened QPR avoid defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
"I want to thank the directors for supporting us the way they do and hopefully next week we will have the biggest celebration of our lives," Ferguson told the United supporters at the end of the game.
United midfielder Michael Carrick said his side had not given up hope of snatching the title, but admitted they had been deflated after watching City's win before kick-off.
"We were watching game at Newcastle and hoping for something. It didn't quite happen for us," he told Sky Sports 1.
"We had to be professional and to take it on to next week.
"It was about winning the game. Credit to the boys after watching the game before. It can be difficult. We can only hope next week."
Asked if they had any hope, after first-half goals from Paul Scholes and Ashley Young today, he added: "Who knows? Football is a funny game. Stranger things have happened in the past.
"We have to concentrate on ourselves. Sunderland will be a tough game.
"We still have a chance of winning the league."
