Sport

Ronaldo’s hat-trick puts United on top

— Photo: AFP

THE TOAST: Cristiano Ronaldo is mobbed by teammates after completing his hat-trick.

LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo’s first hat-trick for Manchester United sent the champion back to the top of the Premier League in intimidating fashion on Saturday.

An early slip by Claudio Cacapa allowed Wayne Rooney through in just the third minute but after the England striker fired over the bar, the visitors regrouped and kept United at bay for the rest of the first half.

Rooney had a number of chances but he was restricted to firing efforts from long-range and Newcastle’s Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given was in commanding form as he repeatedly denied the striker.

And Newcastle had enough of the early play to suggest this would not be the routine victory that would allow the home side to cruise back to the head of the table.

Evidence of Ferguson’s side’s growing frustration came in the 29th minute when Ronaldo reacted furiously after referee Rob Styles ignored the Portugese’s claims for a penalty after going to ground under a challenge from Steven Taylor. It was apparent the champion needed a lift but the scene was set for another frustrating 45 minutes when Taylor made two outstanding goal-line clearances in quick succession from Rooney and Tevez immediately after the restart.

But within minutes, black and white resistance was broken when another mistimed lunge from Smith, this time on Ronaldo, handed the Portugese the opportunity to drill a low free-kick under the defensive wall and claim the opening goal in the 49th minute.

Having fallen behind Newcatle’s familiar frailties suddenly re-appeared while confidence suddenly surged through the home side.

And at such a time, the last thing the visitor needed was for Given to make an uncharacteristic error and fire an attempted clearance at his own defender Cacapa.

The ball rebounded favourably for Giggs who squared for Tevez and the Argentine slotted home to make it two with 55 minutes gone.

It was then a case of how many, and the third goal quickly came in the 70th minute when Ronaldo completed the move of the match involving Michael Carrick, Rooney and Tevez.

Ferdinand volleyed the fourth from Rooney’s inch-perfect chip with five minutes remaining before Ronaldo claimed the match-ball with a deflected left foot shot in 87th minute and Tevez wrapped things up in added time.

Smith’s dismissal in the final seconds for dissent summed up Newcastle’s misery.

The results: On Sunday: Sunderland 2 (Richardson 33,44) bt Portsmouth 0; Bolton Wanderers 1 (Nolan 43) lost to Blackburn Rovers 2 (Samba 53, Roberts 90).

On Saturday: Manchester United 6 (Ronaldo 50, 70, 88, Tevez 55, 90, Ferdinand 85) bt Newcastle 0.

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