If Wayne Rooney is still struggling to find his best form in front of goal, the same cannot be said of Berbatov.

His third hat-trick of the season in yesterday's 5-0 mauling of Birmingham at Old Trafford emulated the feat of Ruud van Nistelrooy in the 2002-03 title-winning campaign.

And with a little more luck, he could have become the first player to score five twice in a single season since the new league was formed in 1992 such is his deadly streak.

It means Berbatov has now bagged 18 goals this season, by far his best tally since the club record £30.75million move from Tottenham in 2008.

"Dimitar is an amazing talent," said O'Shea.

"We know if we get the supply line to him he will create things, either for himself and other players.

"Some of the passes he was laying off for Wayne and Nani were great.

"We just have to supply him because nine times out of 10 he will score."

Not that Berbatov was on his own in ensuring United extended their unbeaten start to 22 games ahead of Tuesday's trip to Blackpool.

For a man who had been out since the end of November with a calf problem, O'Shea made a pretty fine return too.

It was the Irishman who flicked Ryan Giggs' second-minute corner towards Berbatov to give the hosts their flying start.

"It has been a frustrating time," he said.

"I thought it was only going to be a week to 10 days. But I pushed it a bit too soon and did it again.

"I had to be more careful after that.

"It is frustrating when you are missing games but I am delighted to be back."

O'Shea's presence gives Ferguson a useful option in a variety of positions and is probably one of the reasons why United's longest-serving manager has opted against entering the January transfer market.

Not that he has any need to on yesterday's evidence.

Apart from his goals, Berbatov's link play has been of a high standard.

The teamwork with Rooney to set up the Giggs goal that effectively sealed victory before the break was impressive, as was the Nani drive that completed the scoring, even if the Portugal winger frustrated his team-mates with his growing number of attempts.

"Eventually" was Ferguson's one-word assessment of the wide-man's eighth goal of the season.

It was enough to ensure United opened up a two-point lead at the top, with Arsenal now leading the chasing pack.

United can now approach their first top flight visit to Blackpool in 40 years with an air of confidence, knowing a win will really leave them in an advantageous position at this stage of the season.

Little wonder midfield dynamo Anderson is so convinced about their title credentials.

"We should definitely be considered favourites for the title," he said.

"We are all happy with how things are going. We are top of the league, with games in hand. That is an amazing position.

"I know we haven't always played well but if we perform badly and still win the game then that is a good three points as far as I am concerned.

"It is nice to play attractive football but it is even better to win games."

United will definitely be bolstered by the return of Anderson's Brazilian compatriot Rafael from suspension at Bloomfield Road, although Rio Ferdinand's participation depends upon his recovery from the groin injury that kept him out of yesterday's game.