Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with a penalty in the 33rd minute. Substitute Ryan Giggs ensured United secured full points with an 80th-minute goal that had manager Sir Alex Ferguson dancing down the touchline in the rain at the JJB Stadium.

United ended the season on 87 points, two clear of title rivals Chelsea. The Blues could only draw 1-1 at home with Bolton.

Chelsea's unfortunate afternoon was compounded by an injury to John Terry - a partial dislocation of his elbow in a clash with goalkeeper Petr Cech. That almost certainly rules him out of the Champions League final.

It was United's 10th Premier League title and 17th championship. They now turn to winning the Double, facing Chelsea in Moscow in the Champions League final on May 21.

Everton qualified for the Uefa Cup after a 3-1 win over Newcastle United.

Birmingham City and Reading join Derby in the Championship next season. They were relegated after Fulham won 1-0 at FA Cup finalists Portsmouth to complete an unlikely escape.

Fulham had 36 points. Reading also ended with 36 after a 4-0 win at Derby County, but had an inferior goal difference. Birmingham, which beat Blackburn Rovers 4-1, ended on 35.

REUTERS, BBC

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