Ronaldo hits Toon for six

Manchester United returned to the Premier League summit courtesy of a glorious 6-0 destruction of Newcastle.

Ronaldo hits three to take his tally to 22 for the season

On a day when Arsenal and Liverpool both faltered Manchester United hit their counterparts from Newcastle for six and in the process returned to the Premier League summit. Cristiano Ronaldo's first ever hat-trick in England, taking his tally to 22 for the season, inspired United to a 6-0 success that looked unlikely when at half-time their clash with managerless Newcastle was goalless. The Portuguese was at his effervescent best all afternoon and once he broke the deadlock just four minutes after the break, there was only ever to be one winner. Carlos Tevez helped himself to a double of his own and Rio Ferdinand a solitary effort, as Newcastle, who had Alan Smith sent-off in injury time, were teased and tormented by Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Lambs to slaughter

As the Geordies last tasted victory at Old Trafford in 1972, three years after they last won any trophy of note, it was hard to escape the feeling they would be little more than lambs to the slaughter. And, following a hard-fought opening period, the theory proved fully justified as the hosts cut loose in amazing style. With seven goals in eight appearances against the Toon, Wayne Rooney was intent on maintaining that impressive record but by half-time, it had proved costly to his own team as he became increasingly blinkered, seemingly oblivious to better placed team-mates screaming for passes. Ferguson has had plenty to say on Newcastle's groundless over-optimism but the United boss was more vexed at referee Rob Styles, who turned down what the hosts believed were two stone-wall penalty claims. Critics would argue Ronaldo merely fell over Steven Taylor's outstretched leg as he flew into the area. However, as Taylor made no contact with the ball, it was easy to see why Ferguson had a different opinion. There was no mitigating factor on the second occasion though as Smith barged over Ryan Giggs. Styles was only a couple of yards away but yet again, he waved play on. Ferguson was not the only one to feel aggrieved though as Newcastle, despite their lack of chances, were denied a goal when an incorrect offside flag was raised against Michael Owen, who finished off James Milner's lofted pass. The controversies merely proved the prelude to a massacre, which began before Newcastle had time to catch their breath after the re-start.

Massacre

Smith clipped Ronaldo's heels just as he was about to shoot, offering the Portugal winger the kind of free-kick chance he craves. As the Newcastle wall, to a man, jumped, Ronaldo drove a low shot underneath them which Given could not keep out. Five minutes later, the visitors committed the kind of defensive blunder for which they have become so famed down the years, Given driving a clearance into Claudio Cacapa. Giggs was onto the loose ball in a flash and squared to Tevez, who swept home with ease. Their hopes of gaining something from the contest virtually extinguished, Newcastle could have done without lone front-man Owen firing wide from close range after Edwin van der Sar had pushed Charles N'Zogbia's shot into his direction. And so it proved as Ronaldo finished off an excellent move involving Rooney and Tevez with a sublime finish across Given. Newcastle could barely believe they were only halfway through their torture.

Outstanding football

But a brilliant Ferdinand finish from Rooney's