United moved on to 84 points, with one match to play.

If they win that game, at Wigan Athletic next Sunday, they will be champions of England for the 17th time.

Chelsea, who are at Newcastle United tomorrow, have 81 points, but a vastly inferior goal difference to United.

If Chelsea lose tomorrow, the title will be United's - unless they lose at Wigan and Chelsea beat Bolton Wanderers with a winning margin well into double figures in their final league matches next weekend.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave United a third-minute lead and added another when he turned the ball in off his thigh after 24 minutes to take his season's tally in all competitions to 40 goals.

Former West Ham striker Carlos Tevez made it 3-0 with a stunning 30m shot two minutes later, before Dean Ashton replied with an overhead bicycle kick two minutes after that.

United were reduced to 10 men when Nani was dismissed eight minutes before half-time for a headbutt on Lucas Neill.

Michael Carrick put the game beyond West Ham with a well-struck shot that took a deflection off Neill after 59 minutes.

United were helped by a desperately listless West Ham side. The Hammers never gave the slightest hint they would repeat last season's win at Old Trafford that preserved their Premier League status, reported the BBC.

And any fears Alex Ferguson may have had about his United players having a hangover, following Tuesday's Champions League semi-final victory against Barcelona, were dispelled by a vibrant performance.

If United were craving a fast start and an early goal, they could not have wished for more generous defending by West Ham that gave them the lead after three minutes.

Ronaldo escaped the attention of Neill, and the rest of the Hammers' defence stood off as he raced into the area and beat Robert Green with a deflected shot.

West Ham were almost allowed a route back into the game three minutes later when United 'keeper Edwin van der Sar was uncertain and Patrice Evra had to clear off the line from Bobby Zamora.

And the visitors had appeals for a penalty waved away when Wes Brown handled under pressure from Zamora, but referee Mike Riley gave a foul against the West Ham striker.

United doubled their lead after 24 minutes, when West Ham failed to deal with Owen Hargreaves' long cross and Ronaldo bundled in at the far post for his 40th goal of the season.

Tevez made it 3-0 two minutes later when he sent a vicious swerving drive high past Green from 25m.

West Ham looked dejected and beaten, but Ashton gave them a measure of hope with a spectacular overhead kick after 28 minutes.

And the lifeline was extended further 10 minutes before the interval when Nani inexplicably head-butted Neill after a minor fraces. It was an offence made worse by the United winger hitting the ground and holding his head in an attempt to avoid punishment.

Ashton injured a muscle in scoring his spectacular goal and it was no surprise when he went off early in the second half, to be replaced by Carlton Cole.

West Ham were in no mood to take advantage, however, and desperate defending allowed Carrick to stride forward unopposed to send in a deflected shot from 25m for United's goal after 58 minutes.

It was now damage limitation for Alan Curbishley's side and an opportunity for United to improve their goal difference even further.

United substitute Darren Fletcher almost added a fifth with 20 minutes left, only to see his angled drive come back off an upright.

The rest of the game was played out in a carnival atmosphere, as Old Trafford anticipated another title triumph.

REUTERS