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Dundee United confirmed Celtic as Scottish Premiership champions by beating Aberdeen at Tannadice.

Anything less than a Dons win would have meant an end to the title race and the visitors fell behind early on.

Robbie Muirhead latched on to John Souttar's magnificent pass and struck his first United goal past Scott Brown.

The Dons pressed in the second period but could not carve out an equaliser, meaning their league challenge ends with three games to play.

Derek McInnes' side had hoped to prolong their interest, with Celtic travelling to Pittodrie next weekend.

But Muirhead's sweet left-foot strike - his first since joining United from Kilmarnock in January - flashed past Scott Brown from 10 yards dented those ambitons.

Aberdeen players and management applauded their fans at full-time

Aberdeen had earlier gone close, top scorer Adam Rooney testing Radoslaw Cierzniak with a header which the keeper saved at the second attempt.

The visitors had plenty of pressure in the first half but United were strong in defence and that was needed as half-time neared.

A fine block from Ryan McGowan thwarted an almost certain goal from Cammy Smith, who had replaced ankle injury victim Peter Pawlett.

The Tangerines almost doubled their lead a few minutes into the restart.

Muirhead found freedom on the right but his powerful drive was blocked by a lively Brown, who beat the ball away.

Aberdeen responded and a Jaroslaw Fojut block near the goal line averted danger in a crowded area before Rooney's fierce drive was saved low by Cierzniak.

More pressure followed, with McInnes's side enjoying lots of territorial advantage, but the hosts' stubbornness continued.

And United broke clear with Nadir Ciftci racing in on goal, only for Shay Logan to make a last-ditch tackle to rob the striker 14 yards from goal.

With five minutes to go, Ash Taylor had a great chance to level when he threw himself at a fierce free-kick from the right, but the defender just failed to connect at the far post and with that the Dons last chance was gone.