Berbatov seals win for United

Manchester - Dimitar Berbatov completed a brilliant hat-trick six minutes from time to give Manchester United a 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday after a Steven Gerrard double had seemed set to earn the visitors a draw.

United were dominant for the first hour as Berbatov headed them ahead after 42 minutes and, after Nani had rattled a post, hooked in an excellent overhead second on the hour.

Liverpool had offered nothing in attack but rash challenges by United defenders allowed Gerrard to pull one goal back with a penalty after 64 minutes then equalise with a free kick through a ragged wall after 70.

United, who conceded twice in stoppage time last weekend to draw 3-3 at Everton having also given up a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Fulham, this time found a winner when Berbatov rose powerfully to head home his seventh goal in six games.

The win takes United to within one point of leaders Chelsea, who are at home to Blackpool later on Sunday.