Robin van Persie revels in Manchester United’s title triumph

Robin van Persie reflected on a “fantastic” achievement after the striker’s stunning first-half hat-trick downed Aston Villa and handed Manchester United the Premier League title.

The win moves United 16 points clear of local rivals Manchester City with four games left.

Van Persie got the Red Devils off to the perfect start when he tapped in Ryan Giggs’ cross in the second minute.

The Netherlands forward then struck one of the goals of the season when he thumped home Wayne Rooney’s lofted pass on the volley to put the hosts 2-0 up at Old Trafford.

And the 29-year-old made it three in the 33rd minute when he finished from close range to cap a man-of-the-match display and secure his first Premier League winners’ medal as United celebrated their 20th top-flight title after the final whistle.

“From the first minute I think everyone played well and everyone wanted it,” Van Persie told Sky Sports. “It was great to score so early. It was a great win on a fantastic day.

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

“It’s a fantastic team with fantastic players. It’s a championship for every single one of them and I mean everyone: the staff, the manager, the players, the medical staff. This is our 20th title and I think it’s deserved.”

Asked about his stunning second goal, Van Persie added: “It was one of my best but today it didn’t really matter. It was an incredible ball from Wayne and all I had to do was hit it properly. You need a bit of luck.”

Van Persie, who has struck 24 league goals this season, is set to return to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium with United for the first time on Sunday after swapping north London for Old Trafford in a £24m deal last summer.