Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first hat trick for Manchester United in a six-goal second half that propelled his side to a 6-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday and into first in the Premier League.

Ronaldo opened the scoring four minutes after the break and added two more to push his season total to 22 goals in all competitions, including leading the Premier League with 16.

Carlos Tevez chipped in two goals and Rio Ferdinand also scored for Manchester United, which won its fourth in a row.

United was able to take over the top spot after Arsenal tied Birmingham, 1-1, on Saturday. Manchester United and Arsenal are level on points, but the huge win gave United a six-goal lead in differential.

After a first half full of missed opportunities by Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo and numerous great saves by Newcastle goalie Shay Given, Ronaldo's goal early in the second half opened the flood gates.

Tevez scored in the 55th minute and Ronaldo added his second goal in the 70th. Ferdinand got into the action in the 85th and Ronaldo completed his hat trick in the 88th.

Tevez capped the scoring in extra time.

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