MANCHESTER UNITED WERE crowned champions of England for the 20th time on Monday.
Here, we look back at five matches that played a key role in United’s latest title triumph:
September 23, 2012: Liverpool 1 Manchester United 2
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Alex Ferguson’s team kept pace with early leaders Chelsea after surviving an emotional trip to Anfield.
In Liverpool’s first game since the publication of a report absolving their fans of blame over the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, the hosts, who had midfielder Jonjo Shelvey sent off in the first half, raised the roof when Steven Gerrard put them ahead in the 46th minute.
But United silenced the Kop as Rafael da Silva curled in a fine equaliser five minutes later before Robin van Persie’s penalty secured a fourth successive Premier League win nine minutes from time.
October 28, 2012: Chelsea 2 Manchester United 3
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United closed the gap on leaders Chelsea to one point after Javier Hernandez’s late goal secured a dramatic win over the nine-man European champions at Stamford Bridge.
David Luiz’s own goal and van Persie’s clinical finish gave United a two-goal lead early on, but Chelsea fought back superbly to level with goals from Juan Mata and Ramires either side of the interval.
However, red cards for Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres swung the momentum back towards United, who stole the points thanks to Hernandez’s close-range winner in the 75th minute.
November 10, 2012: Aston Villa 2 Manchester United 3
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While this may not be a vintage United team, no-one can question the character of Alex Ferguson’s current crop.
And that never-say-die spirit was on full display as they stunned Villa Park with a stirring fightback after two goals from Andreas Weimann had put the hosts in the ascendancy.
Hernandez sparked the revival with a 58th-minute strike and Ron Vlaar’s own goal five minutes later drew United level before Hernandez completed his side’s eighth come-from-behind victory of the season with an 87th-minute winner.
December 9, 2012: Manchester City 2 Manchester United 3
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Van Persie sparked chaotic scenes as the United striker’s injury-time winner capped a heated Manchester derby at Eastlands and put his side six points clear of their bitter rivals.
United had raced into a two-goal lead as Wayne Rooney struck in the 16th and 29th minutes.
But Yaya Toure’s effort on the hour gave City a lifeline and the champions looked to have rescued a point when Pablo Zabaleta equalised with only four minutes to play.
There was a sting in the tale for City, though, as van Persie’s free-kick curled past Joe Hart, prompting one City fan to invade the pitch in a bid to confront United defender Rio Ferdinand, who had been struck in the face by a coin while celebrating the winner.
December 26, 2012: Manchester United 4 Newcastle United 3
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United seized control of the title race as they extended their Premier League lead to seven points with another example of their remarkable resilience.
A Boxing Day cracker at Old Trafford saw Newcastle lead three times through James Perch, a Jonny Evans own goal and Papiss Cisse.
But United fought back each time as Evans, Patrice Evra and van Persie all struck before the irrepressible Hernandez slid home the winner in the last minute.
