On this day in 2013, Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 3-nil, capturing a record 20th English League title in the process. Dutchman Robin van Persie scored all three United goals, including an absolutely stunning volley assisted by Wayne Rooney.
What a hit. United's number 20 with a hat-trick to secure title number 20. Poetic.
It was Manchester United's final English Premier League title with Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm. When Fergie took over as manager of Manchester United in 1986, the Red Devils hadn't been champions in over two decades. Liverpool was the dominant club in England, with 18 league titles. United had just seven. By the time Sir Alex retired in 2013, United had surpassed Liverpool as the most successful football club in England with 20 league titles.
Ferguson once said that “My greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their f**king perch. And you can print that.” Mission accomplished, Fergie.
Wesley Uhler is the host of Steelers Blitz, Noon-2 on Steelers Nation Radio, and a Producer for ESPN Pittsburgh. You can find him on Twitter @WesleyUhler.
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