Dimitar Berbatov scored a hat- trick to help Manchester United edge over Liverpool 3-2?at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The much more competitive hosts made breakthrough until three minutes before the interval as Berbatov headed home Ryan Gigg's corner. The Bulgarian striker then added a second after 59 minutes with a fantastic overhead kick inside the box.

The visitors were likely to make a miracle while their captain Steven Gerrard finished a brace within six minutes, but it was Berbatov again to push Man. United ahead with six minutes remaining.

Jonny Evans' foul on Fernando Torres allowed Gerrard to score a spotkick in the 64th minute and the Reds' playmaker captain then curled home a freekick from the edge of the area in the 70th minute.

Man. United were denied a victory at Everton last week when the home side scored twice in the injury time to finally hold a 3-3 draw with the Red Devils, but Berbatov refused to experience the same disappointment as he completed his treble with a header on 84 minutes.

At Stamford Bridge, the defending champions Chelsea breezed past Blackpool 4-0, extending their winning streak in Premier League to five matches.

Wigan lost to Manchester City 0-2 at home.