It Is All Over: Manchester United Are Champions

As the season ebbs away, there is a timer on countdown.

It stood at seven points earlier—but after the weekend, it now stands at four. 

That is the number of points Manchester United needs to lift the coveted Premier League trophy for the third time in a row.

More importantly, this time around, Manchester United will also match Liverpool's record of 18 league titles. 

After a convincing 2-0 win for Manchester United over their city rivals during the weekend, it looks like the inevitable is near. 

While Liverpool fans were envisaging a slip up, the 'B' list Manchester United team led by Tevez extinguished that glimmer of hope early on in the game. 

The Manchester United engine room is well-oiled. As Rooney, Carrick, and Ferdinand sat out of the clash against Manchester City, the likes of Tevez, Giggs, and Evans stepped up and ensured that not a single chink was out of place in the Red armour. 

Before Manchester City could settle down into their tempo, United displayed their ruthless nature through a typical Ronaldo free kick—what else—to ensure that the Old Trafford faithful can start their countdown. 

Next, Tevez showed why he should be retained next season by finishing off a delightful Berbatov cut back. His curling shot deflected off the crossbar and into the net as Given was left with no chance. 

Even as Manchester United took their foot off the gas pedal in the second half, withdrawing Ronaldo, Evans, and Ji-Sung, the reigning champions did not show any signs of slipping up. 

Liverpool now has two more games to play. If they win both, they will have a total tally of 86 points.

Manchester United has three more games to play, and they have already amassed 83 points.

Next up, Wigan and Arsenal entertain the champions, in what will be the deciding fixtures that determines the season. 

Nobody would bet against them picking up a win against struggling Wigan on Wednesday to match Liverpool's maximum number of points. And all that Manchester United needs is a draw against Arsenal to lift the trophy on Saturday. Judging by current form, it is unlikely that Arsenal will offer much resistance. 

Even if all goes wrong, there is still a game against Hull City in the final round of Premier League matches.

I am not sure about your guys, but the odds seem to favour Manchester United heavily. Picking up four out of their remaining nine points should be a routine for a team which has performed at such a high level and with such consistency throughout this whole season.

What Liverpool need is a miracle. 

Their captain Steven Gerrard may proclaim that there is still a title race going on—but from the looks of it, this perception is entirely one-sided.

Unless something drastic happens, Manchester United looks set to lift their 18th Premier League trophy at the end of this week.

And leave the rest of the pretenders trailing in their wake. 

This may perhaps be the fitting conclusion for the world's most popular football club. 

The question for all is—how long more will this last?