United Thrash Stoke 5-0

The 100th and 101st goals of Cristiano Ronaldo's eventful Manchester United career were the highlights of a 5-0 romp for the defending champions against Stoke at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Ronaldo had the perfect response for the jeering Stoke fans, not only scoring the opening goal but also setting up the pivotal second goal for Michael Carrick on the stroke of half-time.

For good measure, he curled in the final United goal in the 89th minute with one of his trademark, unerring free-kicks into the bottom right-hand corner from 20 yards.

Dimitar Berbatov added a third and substitute Danny Welbeck scored his first for the club although his team missed the opportunity to make up even more ground on Chelsea in the goal difference department.

As with so many of these Old Trafford affairs, it was now a question of how many. Ronaldo's stinging cross-shot was kept out, one-armed, by Sorensen before the United man unleashed a wicked 35-yard free-kick which the keeper, again, parried.

By the time Tevez's shot was blocked by Sorensen, the keeper wore a shell-shocked appearance.

United spurned numerous chances as time wore down, Ronaldo and Manucho combining to squander one opening which looked easier to convert.