Man United Secure 20th EPL Title

Manchester United won back the English Premier League title from cross-town rivals Manchester City thanks to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa in front of a partisan crowd at Old Trafford on Monday evening. The Red Devils secured their 20th Premier League title thanks to a first half hat trick from their number 20, Robin van Persie. The striker has been in some form this season and has played a vital role in bringing the trophy back to the red side of Manchester. United got off to a flying start with Robin van Persie tapping in from close range after only 82 seconds. Rafael�s cross from the right flank was squared to Dutchman by Ryan Giggs and he made no mistake to net his 22nd goal of the season in the league. United were a constant threat, with van Persie hitting the top netting before Rafael rattled the post from range in the first 10 minutes. Christian Benteke went close for the away side in the 12th minute. The Belgian got on the end of an Andreas Weimann ball inside the area but he could only manage to direct his curling effort over David De Gea�s crossbar. Van Persie doubled his tally and the Red Devils� lead in the 13th minute of the game. The prolific striker volleyed a stinging drive past Brad Guzan from a pinpoint Wayne Rooney pass, to score what should be a goal of the season contender. The home side calmed things down after the frantic start as they seemed to try and catch their breath. Van Persie, though, wasn�t happy with two and successfully completed his hat trick in the 33rd minute of the game. The former Arsenal man found the back of the net via the post from close range after receiving the ball from Giggs. Both sides had chances to change the score sheet before the break but they were unable to capitalise. Manchester United went into the interval three goals to the good thanks to a first half hat trick from Robin van Persie. The home side started the second stanza as they did the first, pushing forward and winning two corners in the first three minutes as a result. Van Persie turned from scorer to defender in the 50th minute, clearing a Nathan Baker header off the line. The Villains came out positively after the break but they were incapable of finding a way through an inspired United defence. Shinji Kagawa had a great chance to cap his first Premier League title off with a goal but he smashed the ball over the crossbar with only the keeper to beat in the 77th minute of the game. Villa created the better chances in the half while United looked to be content with cruising to the title. The Villains fought valiantly in the second half but they were unable to deny the Red Devils from grabbing the title back from the �Noisy Neighbours�. The win meant that Sir Alex Ferguson clinched his 13th Premier League title while at helm of the Manchester giants. The loss for Villa, on the other hand, means that they remain in 17th spot on the log, three points above Wigan and the dreaded drop.