That perch has long since been vacated by Liverpool, of course, but a record 19th crown and the Scot's glorious 12th meant making good on a personal promise to establish United as English football's pre-eminent club - domestically at least.
So successfully has Fergie fortfied his fiefdom, United's erstwhile rivals felt compelled to complete a curious cycle and reappoint Kenny Dalglish as boss, while smarting Reds supporters sought solace in their old foes' failure to land a fourth European title or barely a glove on fellow finalists Barcelona at Wembley in May.
Come November Fergie celebrated 25 years at Old Trafford, the last of those providing further proof that management these days is as much about Twitter and tantrums as training and tactics.
That point was well understood by Roberto Mancini, whose continued good use of Manchester City's multi-millions posed United their latest challenge.
Mancini's men took their neighbours' semi-final scalp on the way to the FA Cup and a first trophy since 1976, and the manager's against-instinct mothballing of City's shackles in the summer was rewarded with nine straight home wins and 50 league goals by Christmas.
The Italian's ice-cool intolerance of transfer-craving Carlos Tevez, meanwhile, brought admiring glances even from across town.
City's bottomless bank vault continued to undermine the fiscal fastidiousness at Arsenal who, having carelessly chucked away the Carling Cup to Birmingham, lost Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy to Eastlands and saw skipper Cesc Fabregas succumb to first love Barca's bidding.
Arsene Wenger weathered the stormiest spell of his Gunners reign to achieve what neither Manchester club could manage, a place in the Champions League knockout, but the chaos of close-season meant ground lost on those targeting top-four spots this time around and tantalised Tottenham with the prospect of becoming north London's leading lights.
Spurs' stubbornness in stonewalling suitors for their star players left them arguably in the best shape to tackle the top two as Chelsea, whose ousted boss Carlo Ancelotti paid the price for delivering just the one double in two seasons, took time to find their feet under Andre Villas-Boas.
Outside elite level Stoke's success in Europe stood out while newcomers Norwich, Swansea and QPR arrived uninhibited and enter 2012 with every chance of avoiding the fate felt in May by Birmingham, Blackpool and West Ham.
The Hammers lie well placed to right that wrong under the guiding hand of Sam Allardyce who, with customary chutzpah, continues to trumpet his credentials for a soon-to-be-vacant England job long thought Harry Redknapp's for the taking.
For now the post belongs to Fabio Capello and - perhaps unburdened by his imminent exit - the old dog's increasing willingness to try a new trick in 2011 encouraged the belief England can capitalise on a kind draw to make an impression at next summer's Euro finals.
There was neither novelty nor apology in the tried-and-tested tactical plan which took Capello's compatriot Giovanni Trapattoni to Poland/Ukraine with Republic of Ireland, though more must be found to progress from a group featuring Italy and all-conquering Spain.
The qualifying campaign ended a year too soon for reborn Wales who, with PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale the brightest of their young stars, will aim to build on foundations laid by the late Gary Speed when the fight for World Cup places begins.
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