United, which beat Manchester City 1-0 Saturday, has 88 points. Chelsea is second with 81 points with two games left. The two play each other at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

United has won the English title nine times since the Premier League was formed in 1992 -- all under manager Alex Ferguson, who took over the club in 1986. United also has won seven other English titles.

"It's a fantastic day for the club and the supporters," said Ferguson, who said he watched the final 15 minutes of today's game. "Over the last two years, Chelsea has dominated the Premier League, and yes, we had a big job to do to catch up with them. The key was having a good start to the season and trying to stay with them."

Chelsea had been trying to win its third straight Premier League title. The last club to do that was Manchester United from 1999-01.

"I have to say that maybe I'm prouder today than when I was champion," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said. "My players are heroes. All season, against absolutely everything, they did brilliantly."

Chelsea needed to win to keep the title race alive, but Gilberto Silva scored from a penalty kick in the 43rd minute after Julio Baptista was brought down by Khalid Boulahrouz. The Chelsea defender was then sent off.

Michael Essien tied the score in the 70th for Chelsea, beating Arsenal defender William Gallas with a header that got past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.