Robin van Persie’s hattrick against Aston Villa last night to win Manchester United the league has put him in pole position for winning the golden boot this season. Luis Suarez, who was his only real rival for the award, is likely to be suspended for the rest of the reason.

Van Persie is delighted to have won the title but is quick to praise his team mates and the staff at the club.

“I’m very happy,” he said. “But it’s weird. I had to wait so long for my first title and it’s a great feeling. It’s just fantastic. We have a fantastic team, fantastic players. If you look at every single one of them, it’s a championship for every single one of them, and I mean everyone: the staff, the manager, trainers, players, medical staff… everyone has been great. This is our 20th title and, I think, deserved.”