United went top of the Barclays Premier League as Cristiano Ronaldo struck his first hat-trick for the club, against the managerless Magpies.

After a goalless opening period, the Red Devils scored an incredible six times after the break, with Ronaldo capturing top billing.

The Portugal winger began the rout with a 49th-minute free-kick and finished it two minutes from time, with Carlos Tevez, twice, and Ferdinand also on target as Ferguson's men heaped more misery on Newcastle and soared to the Premier League summit.

And Ferdinand told Setanta Sports 1: "The first half was a bit stop-start, we didn't finish out chances and were frustrated.

"We got a bit of a telling-off at half-time but came out and produced the goods."

Ferdinand was full of praise for Ronaldo.

"He's been doing it for two years now and long may it continue. When you need a goal it seems him, Wazza (Wayne Rooney) or Carlos (Tevez) get us out of it.

"It's about time he had a hat-trick and he's done it today."

Ronaldo, meanwhile, added: "It's a special day, I'm very happy for the win and going top of the league is most important."

Ferguson told Setanta Sports 1: "I thought there were too many individuals in the first half trying to walk the ball into the net.

"I stressed (at half-time) that passing was the key element. Once we increased the tempo of the passing and movement they were a fantastic team in the second half.

"You always want a quick start to the second half and the quick goals settled everyone and after that we played some great football."

Despite the "marvellous" victory, Ferguson was perturbed by referee Rob Styles' decision to turn down two first-half penalty appeals.

"I just don't understand Rob. He turned a penalty down in the Fulham game and there's another example today. I think he may be trying to make a point, 'I didn't give it last time and I'm not giving it this time'.

"It's unfortunate because I think it was unfair."

Newcastle caretaker boss Nigel Pearson was left to rue a hapless second-half performance.

"Well that is a very difficult day. I can't say a great deal more than that," he told Setanta Sports 1.

"I thought in the first half we did okay. One or two decisions, you could argue, went against us. Having said that they were just a lot better than us.

"The fashion in which we folded in the end is very difficult to take in all honesty."

Pearson added: "We as a club need to move quickly to get this situation resolved. It's all about picking them up now.

"There is loads to do at this football club. It is in everybody's interest that this situation is resolved as soon as possible."