Manchester United hammered Aston Villa 3-0 at Old Trafford last night to claim their 20^th English league title.

The home side did not take long to get going and took the lead after less than two minutes.

Ryan Giggs picked-up Rafael’s deep cross in the penalty area and fired a low cross to Robin van Persie who could not miss from close-range.

On 13 minutes United were two ahead courtesy of a sublime finish from Van Persie.

Wayne Rooney played a fantastic ball over the top of the Villa defence and the Dutchman hit a sublime volley first time that beat Brad Guzan no-ends up in the Villa goal. Van Persie completed his hat-trick on 33 minutes.

The Dutchman went round Guzan and fired high into the back of the net after good work from Ryan Giggs. The goal took Van Persie on to 24 Premier League goals for the season, above Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who is unlikely to play again this season.

Villa attempted to change things at half-time bringing on midfielder Karim El Ahmadi. Villa did play better in the second half, as United eased off. Andreas Weimann came closest to scoring for the visitors, the Austrian seeing his header cleared off the goal line by Van Persie.

Villa could not find a consolation goal and the Manchester United players celebrated clinching the clubs 20^th English league crown, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s 13^th as United boss. United could still break the Premier League points record of 95, currently held by Chelsea, if they win all four remaining games.

Meanwhile Aston Villa find themselves just three points away from the relegation zone. Paul Lambert’s men face a must-win game next Monday night against fellow strugglers Sunderland. The Wearsiders have won the last two games under Paolo Di Canio and will provide a stern test for the young Villa side.

Can United break the record points total currently held by Chelsea?