Manchester United boss in reflective mood
"But we were helped by Arsenal winning it a couple of times. That changed the picture a little bit."
Ironically, United are venturing into new territory tomorrow.
Of those last 11 successes, only one was completed in front of their own fans at Old Trafford.
And in 1999 it was very much a do-or-die encounter with Tottenham, in which they trailed before David Beckham and Andy Cole scored the goals that sealed the first part of that historic treble.
This time around, the Red Devils approach their date with destiny knowing they have another - at Hull next Sunday - in reserve should things go wrong.
Nevertheless, Ferguson is eager to get the job done immediately, to give his players the maximum preparation time for the Champions League final with Barcelona in Rome on May 27.
The desire to put on a performance for the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, who was at United's Carrington training ground this morning and will be in the director's box to watch his favourite team tomorrow is a bonus, as is the strength of United's opponents.
Arsenal may have suffered another fearful home battering by Chelsea since their own European dream was crushed by the Red Devils.
Yet Ferguson knows their presence should ensure no-one in his squad starts to think the job has already been completed.
"Arsenal are a threat," he said.
"They are a good side with great potential which you cannot dismiss.
"Without question they will attack us. They will not change the way they play.
"We expected two good games in the semi-final and we got them and that is the way it will be tomorrow.
"They have had a bit of criticism recently and they will want to register their abilities on a day when everyone expects Manchester United to win the title."
While Arsenal may well give a better account of themselves, few outside Anfield believe United will be denied now.
Rio Ferdinand's ongoing calf problem means he will join Bolt in the stands, but everyone else will want to be involved to launch the trophy presentation in style.
"I have always said I don't care where we win it," said Ferguson.
"It is unusual and strange that we have won it four times elsewhere but only done it once out of 10 at Old Trafford.
"Now we have another opportunity to win it in front of our own fans tomorrow. It would be nice to do it."
