Ronaldo inspires Reds romp

While the managerless Magpies, who had Alan Smith sent off in the dying seconds, stagger from one setback to another, United seem intent on adding a 10th Premier League title to their regained status as the world's richest club.

After a goalless opening period, the Portugal winger broke Newcastle's resistance with a low free-kick after 49 minutes, added a startling second in the 70th minute and then completed his first United three-timer two minutes from time.

United were unfortunate not to break the deadlock in the first half, as referee Rob Styles turned down what seemed to be two stone-wall penalty claims.

First Ronaldo appeared to be tripped by Steven Taylor and then Smith barged over Ryan Giggs. However, Newcastle also had good reason to criticise the officials, as they were denied a goal when an incorrect offside flag was raised against Michael Owen, who converted James Milner's pass.

The controversies merely proved the prelude to a massacre, which began when 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 jumped, Ronaldo drove a low shot underneath them which Shay Given could not keep out.

Six minutes later Given drove a clearance into Claudio Cacapa. Giggs was onto the loose ball in a flash and squared to Tevez, who swept it home.

Ronaldo then rounded off an excellent move involving Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, before Ferdinand volleyed home Rooney's chipped pass for goal number four in the 85th minute.

That was followed by Ronaldo's third, before Tevez notched his second prior to Smith's dismissal for arguing whether the ball was over the line.