City knew that victory over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday would clinch the title but was on the verge of handing the trophy to Manchester United when it trailed 2-1 with 90 minutes played.

United players thought they had retained the title with a 1-0 win at Sunderland that ended at almost the same moment that City substitute Edin Dzeko equalized in the second minute of injury time.

The title was still headed to Old Trafford at that point but the lead in the standings changed hands again two minutes later _ for a fourth and final time in a single day _ when Sergio Aguero sealed a 3-2 win that meant City finished above defending champion United on goal difference.

``To win it like this is incredible,'' City manager Roberto Mancini said. ``I have never seen a final (day) like this.''

Aguero sprinted bare chested around the field swinging his sky blue shirt above his head as the fans at the Etihad Stadium erupted with joy, the perennial underachievers finally tasting success.

United beat Sunderland 1-0 through a goal by Wayne Rooney but Red Devils fans celebrating at the Stadium of Light fell silent as news of Aguero's goal reached them.

Players stood stunned, staring blankly into space.

``It's a cruel way (to lose the title),'' United manager Alex Ferguson said. ``We've experienced many ups and downs in the 25 years I've been here: most of them have been great. We've won the title three times on the last day and today we nearly did it.''

City clinched the third league title of its 132-year history with 89 points and a record identical to United's of 28 wins, five draws and five losses.

The season, which with 1,066 goals was the highest scoring in the Premier League's 20-year history, effectively hinged on the two head-to-head matches between City and United. City won both, 6-1 and 1-0. (AP)