Manchester United won their 20th league title last night when a Robin van Persie hat-trick led them to 3-0 victory over Aston Villa and gave them an unassailable 16-point lead over last season's Premier League champions Manchester City.

Van Persie's goals after two, 13 and 33 minutes – the second among the best scored at Old Trafford – propelled Alex Ferguson's side to victory in front of a jubilant home crowd.

It is the 13th Premier League title for both the club and Ferguson, who has now won 49 club trophies in his managerial career.

United, who will surpass the record of 95 points set by Chelsea in 2004-05 if they win their four remaining games, have 84 points with City, who have a game in hand, on 68.

After the hurt of having their crown snatched away by Manchester City on goal difference in stoppage time on the final day of the 2011-12 season, United were determined to make sure of the title with four games to spare.

United got off to a dream start with less than 90 seconds on the clock after a move started by a delightful long pass from Wayne Rooney.

His diagonal ball from his own half found Antonio Valencia on the right wing and the Ecuadorian passed to Rafael who crossed to Ryan Giggs with the 39-year-old pulling the ball back for Van Persie to tap in with ease.

The Dutchman could have scored a second a minute later when he volleyed just over, while Rafael hit the post before Van Persie produced a candidate for goal of the season to double their lead in the 13th minute.

Another superb pass from deep by Rooney from the halfway line set up Van Persie for an exquisite left-foot volley from just outside the box that flew into the net.

His third, on 33 minutes, again involved Giggs who was fed by Shinji Kagawa before finding Van Persie in the box. The Dutchman had time to shift the ball on to to his left foot before sending it in off the post for his 24th league goal of the season.