VAN PERSIE MAGIC SEALS MAN UNITED'S 20TH LEAGUE TITLE
MANCHESTER, England, April 22 (Reuters) - Manchester United reclaimed their Premier League crown in style on Monday as Robin van Persie's hat-trick inspired a 30 win over Aston Villa that gave them an unassailable 16-point lead over Manchester City and erased the pain of last season.
Van Persie's goals after two, 13 and 33 minutes - the second among the best ever scored at Old Trafford - propelled Alex Ferguson's side to a record-extending 20th league title in front of a jubilant home crowd.
After the hurt of having their crown snatched away by Manchester City on goal difference in stoppage time on the final day of the 2011-12 season, United were determined to make sure of the title with four games to spare.
“When you lose the title it's hard to take it, the way we did (last year) it was not a nice feeling,” forward Wayne Rooney, who set up two of the goals in a performance that went some way to answering his recent critics, told Sky Sports.
“So we've all dug in deep, we've all worked together and done fantastic to get ourselves into this position and tonight we finished the job off.”
With the championship guaranteed, United still have much to play for as they aim for 96 points to beat the record points total of 95 set by Chelsea in 2004-05. With United's tally currently on 84 points, Ferguson's side remains on target to overhaul Chelsea's record provided they win their four remaining games.
Monday's win earned the club and Ferguson, who has now won 49 club trophies in his manageri- al career, a 13th Premier League title.
“I'm so proud of everything I've achieved. I don't get carried away, I don't look back, only look forward,” he told MUTV.
“There is no reason why we can't go on and improve for next year.”
Ferguson, who has secured some of his 13 championships in strange places over the years including at the gym, on the golf course and while watching snook-
There is no reason why we can't go on and improve for next year
er, would agree nothing beats doing it at Old Trafford with “champions” ringing out.
Fans had already stocked up on T-shirts, scarves and flags emblazoned with “20” before the game knowing they were unlikely to need a refund and their faith was justified with less than 90 seconds on the clock.