Manchester United equalled a 100-year-old scoring record as they stormed to the Premier League summit with a 4-1 home win over Middlesbrough.

Not since the days of Billy Meredith in 1907 had the Red Devils scored four in four successive games.

United made a great start when Nani sent a thunderous strike beyond Mark Schwarzer from 30 yards in the third minute.

However, the visitors pulled level three minutes later when Tuncay Sanli crossed for Jeremie Aliadiere to flick his header home.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men restored their lead 12 minutes before the break when Stewart Downing gifted possession to Wayne Rooney who made no mistake with a clinical finish.

Tevez then completed a second-half brace - latching onto Rooney's backheel to sweep home the first (55) and then benefitting from a deflection off Andrew Taylor to beat Schwarzer (85).