Premier League: Manchester United v Aston Villa - in pictures

A tale of two managers - one on the brink of a title, the other facing relegation Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

Fergie hardly has time to make himself comfortable in the dugout when his side take the lead within 90 seconds. A lovely long ball from Wayne Rooney finds Valencia out on the right who puts in a looping cross into the area. Giggs fires it back across the face of the goal and Van Persie does the rest at the back post Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

He's rather pleased with that Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Eleven minutes later RVP strikes again, and what a strike it is. Rooney is inside his own half when he spots Van Persie scampering forward and hits a wonderful ball forward. The ball comes over the Dutchman's shoulder ... Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

And from just outside the box he blasts a dipping volley past Brad Guzan and into the net. What a goal!! Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

Such technique deserves a second viewing - here it is seen from the other side Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

He's got every right to wear that huge grin, it was a fabulous finish Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The United striker is grinning again in the 33rd minute when he grabs his hat-trick after Giggs cuts the ball back to him and after a bit of dilly-dallying he strokes the ball into the net via the left post Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Shinji Kagawa tussles with Nathan Baker Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Not only does Van Persie score goals but he stops them as well. At the start of the second half RVP heads Andreas Weimann's effort off the line Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

United manager Alex Ferguson watches his charges from the touchline ... Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA

And then returns to the dugout to enjoy the proceedings Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA

The old legs of Manchester United's Ryan Giggs carries the winger forward again. If United win the title it'll be his 25th major honour Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Danny Welbeck, who replace Wayne Rooney in the 71st minute, skips past the challenge of Aston Villa's Karim El Ahmadi Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

With United three goals to the good and the clock ticking down, it looks like they'll have to get themselves a new banner Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The final whistle goes. Robin Van Persie's three goals have given United their 20th title, and him his first Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

Cue fevered celebrations from players ... Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA

And manager Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters

Players, staff, mascot and fans savour the moment. There's even a hashtag ready for the twitterati Photograph: Peter Powell/EPA

Joy in the stands Photograph: Jon Super/AP

United stalwarts Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney soak up the atmosphere and applause as the players go on a lap of honour around Old Trafford. Between them they've 18 League Title victories under their belts - Giggs has notched 13 and Rooney 5 Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

In the dressing room Sir Alex Ferguson gets the party started ... Photograph: Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

And Rio Ferdinand carries it on Photograph: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

No title celebrations are worthy of the name without a bit of dressing room damage Photograph: Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images