MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United won the Premier League for the third straight season Saturday after a 0-0 tie with Arsenal.

United needed a point to clinch a record-equaling 18th title. The draw at Old Trafford put the championship out of reach for second-place Liverpool, which is seven points behind with two games left.

"Thankfully, we got the job done today," striker Wayne Rooney said. "The last few years have been unbelievable."

United has won 11 Premier League titles in the last 17 seasons under manager Alex Ferguson and is tied with Liverpool with 18 on the list of English league champions.

"I never thought we could get 11 titles — never in a million years," Ferguson said.

After a lackluster game, the final whistle set off a massive celebration. The team was presented with the Premier League trophy on the field, with the players hugging and spraying champagne.

Ferguson has 25 major trophies since he arrived at the club in 1986 and hopes to make it 26 when United faces Barcelona in the Champions League final May 27 in Rome.

"It makes you want to go on forever," said the 67-year-old Scot, who has no plans to retire anytime soon.

The trophy was carried onto the field by four soldiers who returned from a four-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. As the medals were presented and fireworks exploded, the rain that had lashed the field all game cleared and Old Trafford was bathed in sunshine.

Ryan Giggs has been part of United's team for each of its 11 Premier League triumphs masterminded by Ferguson since the 1992-3 season.

"It's been a special time at the club since the manager took over and we've managed to win so much," Giggs said. "Hopefully we can carry on."

The title is the eighth for 34-year-old defender Gary Neville.

"I think it's a fantastic achievement," said Neville, adding that Liverpool's challenge helped focus the champions. "They pushed us really hard this season. Next season, we've got our work cut out to go and do it again."

Powered this season by goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and top performances from strikers Rooney and Carlos Tevez, United also had a rock-solid defense. Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar set a British record by going 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal.

United withstood a shaky stretch in April, losing 4-1 at home to Liverpool and 2-0 at Fulham. Then came a winning streak that pushed the club ahead of rival Liverpool.

Liverpool plays last-place West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. The final round of games is May 24.