Manchester United have handed the Premier League title to Manchester City after a woeful performance in a surprise 1-0 defeat at home by bottom club West Bromwich Albion.
After all their efforts to stop City from clinching the league in their 3-2 derby win last week, United offered a clear reminder of why they have not been close contenders for the title this year with an abject display, lacking in creativity.
Their fans, who had celebrated the comeback victory at the Etihad last week, booed Jose Mourinho’s side off the field on Sunday after they lost to a team who had not won since January, reports Reuters.
“We were masters in complication, everything was complicated,” said Mourinho.
A 73rd minute header from Jay Rodriguez gave Albion, who appear doomed to relegation, their first away win in 16 outings and just their fourth victory of the season.
United midfielder Nemanja Matic had headed a corner across his own goal area and Rodriguez reacted quickly to nod home the winner.
Mourinho’s side had dominated possession but created few clear chances and their loss leaves City 16 points clear with just five games remaining.
Second-place United are now 16 points behind side with only five games left to play.
It is City's third title in seven seasons and a fifth top-flight crown - their first under Pep Guardiola in his second campaign in charge, according to a BBC report.
The Sky Blues have dominated the title race, scoring 93 goals and losing just twice.
The Premier League title is the 24th trophy of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss' managerial career.
The 47-year-old has previously won league titles in Spain and Germany, as well as two Champions Leagues with Barca.
Since Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan took ownership of the club in 2008, City have won seven trophies, adding an FA Cup, two League Cups and an FA Community Shield to their league titles.
