Van Persie proves how crucial his signing was for United

Long since accepted as the summer signing that made the difference, Van Persie underlined his value by ensuring there was never a chance Aston Villa might prevent their hosts from collecting the victory required to celebrate championship number 20 in front of their own fans at Old Trafford.

Van Persie took just 81 seconds to sweep home Ryan Giggs’ knock-back.

Twelve minutes from the break he profited from more unselfishness from the veteran Welshman to complete the second three-timer of his United career.

In between he scored one of the best goals of the entire campaign as he followed Wayne Rooney’s long ball throughout its 50-yard flight, waited for it to fall out of the sky then smashed a first-time volley into the corner.

It was the kind of jaw-dropping moment United have not delivered that often this season.

But as the signature to reclaiming the crown Manchester City prised from their grasp with virtually the last kick of the previous campaign, it was perfect.

It confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson’s 13th title, and Giggs’s for that matter, equalling on their own the number Arsenal have won as a club.

For Gunners old-boy Van Persie, at 29, it was his first. And boy did it show at the final whistle as he raised his arms on halfway before joining the celebrations that began almost immediately, even if the trophy presentation has to wait for three weeks.

The Dutchman’s contribution took his tally for the season to 24, ahead of major rival Luis Suarez in the hunt for the Golden Boot.

Afterwards, he said: ““It didn’t really matter who scored as long as we won this game and we did win this game.

“From the first minute everyone played well and everyone wanted it. It was a great to score so early and it was a fantastic game of football.

“I’m very happy but it’s weird. I had to wait for so long for my first title and it’s a great feeling.”

Rooney revealed last year’s heartbreak against City, who won the title in the last minute of the 2011-12 season, spurred them on to glory this season.

“It’s what we’ve worked all year for and we’ve fully deserved it. We won this game in the first half and it is a fantastic night for us,” said the England striker.

“When you lose the title, it’s hard to take and the way we did it wasn’t a nice feeling last time so we’ve all dug in deep and all worked together and done fantastic to put ourselves in the position tonight to finish the job off.”