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Man United 3-0 Aston Villa
Hello, and welcome to this evening’s liveblog. Here are the teams:
Man United: De Gea, Rafael, Evra, Jones, Evans, Valencia, Giggs, Carrick, Kagawa, Rooney, Van Perise.
Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Bennett, Westwood, Delph, N’Zogbia, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke.
As he prepares for this evening’s game in the Sky News studio, Gary Neville has had this to say on Luis Suarez:
“The idea that Suarez should be thrown out of the country or should never play for Liverpool again is nonsense.”
Speaking on Sky, Alex Ferguson said that Vidic is injured, while he didn’t want to risk Rio Ferdinand as he has a slight injury.
He also praises Villa, saying they have some “lively” players, while adding that “there’s always expectations at this club”.
Important not to forget this…
The United fans are ready to celebrate (Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport).
We’re underway…
GOAL FOR MAN UNITED!
Man United 1-0 Aston Villa: The move is started by a lovely long diagonal pass by Rooney, who finds a suspiciously offside looking Valencia.
He passes it back to Rafael and the full-back’s cross expertly picks out Ryan Giggs, who diverts the ball across goal and Robin van Persie is on hand, as he taps it in without difficulty (2 mins).
Seconds later, the Dutchman latches onto a cross and hammers a volley just over.
A sumptuous Giggs cross almost finds its way to Van Persie again, but Vlaar makes a telling interception.
Shortly thereafter, a long-distance effort from Rafael comes back off the post.
Villa simply can’t cope with United’s tempo at the moment.
Golden opportunity for Benteke after being released by Weimann.
However, the youngster ultimately strikes it just over the bar.
GOAL FOR MAN UNITED!
Manchester United 2-0 Aston Villa: Wayne Rooney plays an inch-perfect long ball to Robin van Persie, who volleys it home first time (12 mins).
Game over already, it seems.
Van Persie will inevitably receive the majority of the plaudits, but Wayne Rooney is giving one of his best performances in a long while tonight.
The England international has had a significant hand in both goals.
GOAL FOR MAN UNITED!
Man United 3-0 Aston Villa: Kagawa releases Ryan Giggs, whose cross finds Van Persie, and the Dutchman blasts it home for his hat-trick (34 mins).
It’s simply a matter of waiting for the trophy to be presented now.
United continue to look extremely comfortably with two minutes until half-time.
At the moment, it’s simply a question of how many goals they’ll win by.
HALF-TIME: MAN UNITED 3-0 ASTON VILLA
So, United lead 3-0 at half-time, and there’s now way back for Villa now.
Aside from one golden opportunity for Benteke, United have thoroughly dominated this game, with the scoreline a fair reflection of their superiority.
The match has illustrated, in microcosm, precisely why they’re about to become champions.
It’s been a purposeful, workmanlike performance that has acquired an edge of inspiration from a truly special striker.
Villa, meanwhile, have never got to grips with the pace and power of their opponents, with their relegation struggles set to worsen.
The second half is underway…
De Gea drops a Lowton cross under no pressure. Perhaps he’s bored at having so little to do.
Seconds later, Van Persie shows his defensive qualities, clearing Weimann’s header off the line.
De Gea has to parry Benteke’s powerful shot away, as Villa search in vain for a way back into this game.
There’s been one or two signs in recent minutes that United are getting somewhat lax.
Rooney has been playing very deep at times in this second half…
The game has hit a bit of a lull in recent minutes, and there’s been a noticeable drop in the tempo.
It’s being played at close to walking pace at times, which is a sign that both teams seemingly realise the game is effectively over.
Manchester United’s Robin van Persie (centre) celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal and completing his hat-trick (Martin Rickett/PA Wire/Press Association Images).
Rafael sloppily gives it straight to Agbonlahor, however the Villa man can’t capitalise, as his attempted cross is blocked.
Meanwhile, Rooney has come off to a rousing reception, as he’s replaced by Welbeck.
Kagawa sets himself up brilliantly to finish, beating a defender consummately, after the ball is supplied to him by Welbeck.
However, the Japanese footballer slices his subsequent shot horribly wide.
A pretty incredible stat…
Plenty of olés can be heard from the crowd – there are even some ironic ones from Villa fans.
Old Trafford has already reverted to party mood with just under five minutes remaining.
Two minutes remain as Weimann drives the ball across the box to no one in particular.
Villa look a deflated side.
FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 3-0 ASTON VILLA
MANCHESTER UNITED ARE THE PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!
Here’s a little something that my colleague, Steven O’Rourke, has composed.
Alright, that’s all from me.
Thanks for reading and commenting, and congrats to United on another fantastic title win.
