Middlesbrough have traditionally held something of a hoodoo over United at Old Trafford, but even they had no answer to another vibrant attacking display from Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Goals from Nani, Wayne Rooney  and Carlos Tevez (twice) invalidated an early equaliser from Jeremie Aliadiere and put United on top of the Barclays Premier League, ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

Following on from convincing victories over Wigan, Aston Villa and Dynamo Kyiv, the scoreline also marked a fourth-consecutive four-goal haul, equalling a club record set back in the 1907/08 season.

The only noteworthy change to Sir Alex Ferguson’s line-up saw Owen Hargreaves return for only his fourth United appearance, his first taste of action since the victory over Sunderland on September 1.

Whereas Boro traditionally come to Old Trafford with a stifling approach clearly at the fore, Gareth Southgate’s 4-4-2 formation suggested the potential for an open game, and Nani's early goal bore that out in style.

Just three minutes had passed when he picked the ball up on the left flank, just inside the Boro half. The Portuguese winger beat three defenders, cut inside and sent goalwards a scorching 30-yard drive which arced over the flailing Schwarzer.

Less than two minutes later, Tevez could have doubled the Reds’ lead. The Argentine striker was sent clean through, but his attempt to lift the ball