Manchester United secured their 20th English league title thanks to Robin van Persie's first-half hat-trick against Aston Villa at Old Trafford this evening.

The Dutchman opened the scoring in the second minute before doubling the total with a wonderful first-time volley from Wayne Rooney's ball over the top.

He wrapped up his hat-trick in the 33rd minute before United saw off the game to clinch the crown.

Here, Sports Mole picks the bones out of yet another Premier League title for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Match statistics:

United:
Shots 10
On target 5
Possession 52%
Corners 5
Fouls 10

Villa:
Shots 8
On target 5
Possession 48%
Corners 3
Fouls 6

Was the result fair?

Yes. United were ahead in just the second minute and the first half was an absolute romp. Van Persie was the star but Villa barely showed up and merely were an accessory to United's title party.

United's performance

It was the Van Persie show right from the off and his second goal will live long in the memory. Around him, Wayne Rooney was fantastic a little deeper in midfield while Shinji Kagawa and Ryan Giggs showed their class as well. Defensively there was no Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic but Jonny Evans and Phil Jones did well in their absence, largely handling the threat of Christian Benteke.

Villa's performance

It was always going to be a tough ask for Paul Lambert's side but they didn't make it any easier for themselves by conceding a sloppy goal early on. Granted, there was a hint of offside for all of United's goals but the gulf in class was so noticeable tonight. If Villa do stay up and can keep the likes of Benteke, then you'd expect them to push on next season.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Robin van Persie: No surprise here but the Dutchman's 33-minute hat-trick was so classy. The second was arguably the goal of the season and it turned out to be a dream night for Van Persie as he clinched his first Premier League medal with a hat-trick. Simply stunning.

Biggest gaffe

This award has to go to Shinji Kagawa for his horror miss in the second half. The Japanese international feinted brilliantly to lose his man but blasted the ball over under no pressure whatsoever.

Referee performance

Anthony Taylor himself had a solid night with the whistle but his assistants definitely missed some offside decisions, especially for Van Persie's sublime second. The Dutchman was ahead of the last defender but that shouldn't take away just how good the finish was.

What next?

United: Next up for the Red Devils is a trip to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Villa: Lambert's men, meanwhile, welcome Paolo Di Canio's Sunderland to Villa Park in a week's time.