Stay Top with 5 goals thrashing of Birmingham

With hat-trick hero Dimitar Berbatov leading the way, United were rampant against opponents who are in meltdown ahead of their big Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's class of 2011 remain unbeaten for the season and on the verge of breaking a proud record established by their 1999 Treble winners.

Berbatov has scored 10 goals in his last four league games at Old Trafford. And his third hat-trick of the season was always on the cards once Birmingham's defenders went to sleep from a corner after 95 seconds.

As Ferguson said: 'Berbatov was marvellous and could have scored more. We were a bit wasteful at times but we can't complain with the scoreline. It helps the goal difference. We have some tough games ahead but hopefully the players can grasp the nettle.'

The killer goal arrived on the stroke of half-time and involved lovely build-up work between Rooney and Berbatov before the England man swept a low cross for 37-year-old Giggs to score.

'It was an exciting goal, great interchange play,' said Ferguson.