22nd April 2013 night match
Manchester United wrapped up a 20th league title in convincing style after Robin van Persie's first-half hat-trick sank Aston Villa.
But the £24m summer signing returned to form in spectacular fashion to secure the silverware with four games to spare.
Defeat for Manchester City at Tottenham on Sunday meant that United knew before kick-off that victory would be enough for them to cross the line.
Despite an improved second-half showing by Villa, now three points above the relegation zone with four games remaining, that outcome never seriously looked in doubt.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has now won the Premier League 13 times but the manner and margin of this triumph, a year after seeing the title wrenched from his grasp by City with the last kick of the season, should give him as much satisfaction as his first success
His side were already 13 points clear before kick-off, and there was an air of expectation bordering on euphoria at Old Trafford.
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If there were any nerves too, they went out of the window when Van Persie opened the scoring after 83 seconds.
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A move started by Wayne Rooney ended with Ryan Giggs knocking Antonio Valencia's cross into the path of the Dutchman, who converted from two yards out.
It was an ominous start for a defence looking as vulnerable as Villa's, and more chances swiftly followed.
The visitors escaped when Van Persie headed over and Rafael fired against the post but a second goal was not far away.
Villa had just started to gain a foothold in the match, with Christian Benteke firing just over after a quick break, when United struck again in devastating fashion after 13 minutes.
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