Manchester United produced a scintillating second half display to thrash Newcastle United 6-0 in their Premiership encounter to move to the top of the league table.

Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed his first hat trick for the club while Carlos Tevez scored a brace with Rio Ferdinand bagging one as the defending champions smashing six goals in the second half and capitalize on Arsenal's slip up to move ahead on goal difference.

Manchester United dominated the first half as Newcastle were content to soak up the pressure. Wayne Rooney had two great chances to put his side in the lead but was denied on both times by Shay Given.

John O'Shea, Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs all had chances to break the deadlock but the visitors somehow managed to keep the ball out of the net. Michael Owen popped up at the other end and put the ball in the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside even though replays showed otherwise.

The hosts came out into the second half with all guns blazing and took the lead in the 49th minute when Ronaldo cheekily hit a free kick underneath the wall and though Given managed to get a hand to it, was unable to clear the shot.

The Newcastle defensive was losing its composure and a combination of error from Given and Cacapa saw Giggs take control of the possession inside the penalty area and the winger slid the ball into the path of Tevez who made no mistake from close range.

Ronaldo bagged his second after a brilliant build up play by Carrick, Tevez and Rooney played in the Portuguese winger who made no mistake in slotting the ball past Given. Ferdinand scored the fourth in the 85th minute, volleying Rooney's cross from outside the area.

Ronaldo completed his hat trick two minutes before the final whistle after his shot was deflected into the Newcastle goal. Tevez completed the rout in the final minute of the game when his shot struck the underside of the ball and bounced out after falling over the line.