United are the most successful team in England

Manchester: Manchester United have become the most successful team ever in English football after winning a record 19th top-flight title.

The Red Devils, who only needed one point from their remaining two matches to secure the title, drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park to win the Premier League for the fourth time in five seasons.

By winning the league for the 19th time, United have now surpassed the record of 18 titles previously held by Liverpool. Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that his aim was to knock the Merseyside team "off their perch" when he took over at Old Trafford in 1986.

The Scot admitted last week that he had never expected to overhaul Liverpool's record, but has now won the Premier League 12 times - nine times more than any other manager.

Despite recent challenges at the top of the table from Chelsea and Arsenal, United have occupied first place for the majority of the season, and all but secured the league with a 2-1 win over Carlo Ancelotti's second-placed side last week.

Sir Alex's men now play Blackpool at home on the final day of the season next weekend, when they will be presented with the Premier League trophy, before facing Barcelona at Wembley in the Champions League final.