Alex Ferguson's side required three points to ensure that second-placed Manchester City could not catch them at the Premier League summit and subsequently cruised to victory at Old Trafford.

United are now 16 points clear at the top of the league having played a game more than Roberto Mancini's men, who have only 15 left to play for.

City famously won the championship in the dying seconds of the last campaign, but have been ruthlessly brushed aside as United have reclaimed the title this time around.

Ferguson is joined by Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in earning the 13th Premier League success of their careers with the club.

The Old Trafford side are now two league wins clear of Liverpool, who have been champions of the English top flight on 18 occasions and once held an 11-title lead over their North West rivals.