Manchester United wins 20th league title, Robin van Persie scores hat-trick

Striker who chose Reds over champions City when he left Arsenal last summer fittingly scores the goals that return the trophy to Old Trafford.

He was bought for one purpose: To score the goals that would make the difference in the title race.

Robin van Persie, too, left Arsenal because he craved major silverware, tangible team reward for all those goals, not to be left with individual baubles and thoughts of what might have been.

All through the season, when it has mattered, he has delivered, taking United nearer their 20th crown, supplanting Wayne Rooney to become the main man at Old Trafford, proving Sir Alex Ferguson right once again, the masterstroke signing by the master manager.

And after a glorious hat-trick, which will surely bring him the Golden Boot as well, Van Persie will return to the Emirates on Sunday for a guard of honour that will come through gritted teeth, a champion already.

Now on 24 Premier League strikes, ahead of Luis Suarez, whose season rightly is over. Potentially in line for the PFA and Footballer of the Year double as well. Read more