Van Nistelrooy hat-trick puts United top

Ruud van Nistelrooy bagged a hat-trick to send Manchester United to the Premiership summit for the first time this season.

The prolific Dutchman put his side ahead from the penalty spot just before half-time, tapped home his third from Ryan Giggs’ left-wing cross just before the end and in between netted a spectacular solo effort to bring a record Premiership crowd to their feet.

The win puts United top of the Premiership as Arsenal do not play until Sunday.