Rio Ferdinand's late strike ensured that an emotional Old Trafford said goodbye to Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes fittingly as Manchester United beat Swansea City 2-1 and received the Premier League trophy that had already been clinched.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez poked home close to halftime after an Ashley Williams mistake, but Michu struck soon after the break, exposing a slight lack of verve from United as the momentous occasion occupied the foreground.
In typical Ferguson fashion, though, the Red Devils rallied late on and Ferdinand delivered the fairytale ending when he capitalized on a poorly defended corner for his first goal since 2008.
Scholes lined up for his final home game in a strong team, though Wayne Rooney was excluded from the squad and watched from an executive box as all three of United's other frontline strikers started. Neil Taylor and Michu returned for Swansea while Gerhard Tremmel stood in for Michel Vorm in goal.
Welcomed onto the pitch by a storm of cheers and flags, Ferguson accepted the adoration of Old Trafford before making way, and United started the game aggressively, Chicharito nearly opened the scoring within four minutes when his acutely angled shot came off the underside of the crossbar.
However, the game died down in spite of the occasion, neither side impressing and United occasionally over-elaborating their attacking play.
Finally, though, the hosts got the goal that the day demanded. In the 39th minute, Robin van Persie delivered from a free kick and caught out Williams, whose had the ball bounce off his shin and into the path of Chicharito. The Mexican poked it underneath Tremmel even as he fell back on the wet pitch.
It was nearly two before halftime as Van Persie took aim with his left foot but the Swans keeper deflected it away, United's lead at the break a slender one.
Any chance of a procession evaporated just after the restart, however, when Michu darted in front of the diving Phil Jones and dispatched Nathan Dyer's cross past David de Gea with a clever mid-air finish off the outside of his left boot.
Swansea was a whisker away from a second shortly after when Wayne Routledge nudged his shot just wide of the far post, having been put through down the left by a one-two with Michu. Despite everything, Swansea had more purpose and De Gea had to deny Pablo Hernandez just after the hour mark in a threatening break.
Needing to wake up, United riposted at last but Danny Welbeck's low cross fizzed just out of the lunging Chicharito's reach.
Then came Scholes's goodbye, withdrawn in the 66th minute to a raucous salute but modestly refusing to milk it, sharing only a simple handshake with his manager. His replacement, Anderson, nearly took the roof off when he blasted a long-range just wide.
There was time, too, for a fitting appearance off the bench from Ryan Giggs as the half wore on, Ferguson's most faithful servant there at the last.
It was a more unlikely figure who secured the victory, however, with Ferdinand hammering home his first goal in five years to delight the Old Trafford faithful and his ecstatic boss. As usual, Ferguson's United had found a way in the end.
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, right, speaks to striker Wayne Rooney after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand celebrates after scoring against Swansea City during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson holds the premier league trophy after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Supporters wave red flags before Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Javier Hernandez celebrates scoring against Swansea City during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. Manchester United won the match 2-1. (AP Photo/PA, Martin Rickett) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE
Supporters wave red flags before Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic, second right, and Phil Jones, right, dive to block a shot from Swansea City's Chico during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. Manchester United won the match 2-1. (AP Photo/PA, Martin Rickett) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE
Manchester United's Javier Hernandez scores against Swansea City during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. Manchester United won the match 2-1. (AP Photo/PA, Martin Rickett) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, center, lifts the premier league trophy after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
The English Premier League trophy is carried onto the pitch by former Manchester United captains Steve Bruce, left, and Bryan Robson before being presented to Manchester United at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's players celebrate winning the English Premier League trophy after their last home game of the season, against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's players including Robin van Persie, center, celebrate with the English Premier League trophy after their last home game of the season, against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie, left, Shinji Kagawa, second left, Wayne Rooney, lower center, Danny Welbeck, right, and Michael Carrick, rear, celebrate with the English Premier League trophy after their last home game of the season, against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United players including Rio Ferdinand, center right, celebrate after winning the English Premier League after their last home game of the season, against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson speaks to the crowd after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Robin van Persie carries his children after the team's last home game of the season at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Paul Scholes is seen after his teams last home game of the season at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, left, stands with his wife Coleen and his son Kai after the teams last home game of the season at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, bottom right, shakes hands with striker Wayne Rooney after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, bottom centre, grasps the English Premier League Trophy as he celebrates with his team after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand celebrates after scoring against Swansea during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, center, holds the premier league trophy after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United players including Robin van Persie, center, celebrate with the English Premier League trophy after their last home game of the season, against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson kisses the premier league trophy after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, center, holds the premier league trophy as he celebrates with his players after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson holds the premier league trophy after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson holds the premier league trophy after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, center, lifts the premier league trophy after his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Paul Scholes, center, makes his way from the pitch after being substituted during their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Paul Scholes, center, makes his way from the pitch after being substituted during their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea City at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Javier Hernandez celebrates after scoring against Swansea during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Supporter wave red flags before Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Swansea during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson applauds as he twalks from the pitch at half time during his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson shakes hands with supporters as he takes to the pitch for his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson signs autographs for fans as he takes to the pitch for his last home game in charge of the club, their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Supporter wave red flags before Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club ahead of their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
A supporter holds up a sign before Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club ahead of their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson applauds as he takes to the pitch for his last home game in charge of the club ahead of their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
A supporter holds up a sign before Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club ahead of their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson applauds as he takes to the pitch for his last home game in charge of the club ahead of their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson, center, applauds as he takes to the pitch for his last home game in charge of the club ahead of their English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
A merchandise seller plies her trade outside Old Trafford Stadium before Manchester United's English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. This game is the last home game for manager Sir Alex Ferguson, seen on brochure, in charge of the club. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
A Manchester United supporter holding a mask of retiring manager Alex Ferguson prepares to take a picture outside Old Trafford Stadium before the team's English Premier League soccer match against Swansea, Manchester, England, Sunday May 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United performs a lap of honour with his son Kai following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford on May 12, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United performs a lap of honour with his son Kai following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford on May 12, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester United's Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa (C) celebrates on the podium at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on May 12, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images)
Manchester United's Scottish manager Alex Ferguson (R) wipes his face after receiving his Premier League championship medal at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on May 12, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images)
CROPPED VERSION Manchester United's Scottish manager Alex Ferguson kisses the Premier League trophy at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on May 12, 2013. Ferguson said farewell to Old Trafford with a typically passionate speech after his side's 2-1 victory over Swansea in his final home match in charge of the team. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images)
Manchester United's Scottish manager Alex Ferguson walks with his grandchildren after the presentation of the Premier League trophy at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on May 12, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with his players and the Premier League trophy following the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City at Old Trafford on May 12, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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