Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed by the scoreline in Manchester United demolition of West Bromwich Albion.

He felt that the ruthless streak of his team is back in their 5-0 win at The Hawthorns. United also made history by securing an eleventh consecutive clean sheet.

Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez set United on their way to victory with a goal apiece in the first half, before Nemanja Vidic powered home a third and Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brace for the 21st time in his Reds career.

Sir Alex was delighted with his side’s rip-roaring display and hopes the players can maintain their merciless form in the coming weeks.

“I think you saw a ruthless streak in the team that hasn’t maybe been there this season,” he exclusively told MUTV.

“We hoped it was going to come and we expected it would do because of the standard of forwards we have. This result is the first indication that we have it.

“West Brom did very well for the first ten minutes and we had to be quite resolute in our defensive play at that point. But once we got the ball in their half of the field we always looked dangerous.

"I think the form has come at a good time. Obviously March and April are the crucial months, but it’s good to really get our show on the road now."

Another pleasing aspect to the victory was the goalscoring performance of Cristiano Ronaldo. The winger slotted home a penalty in the Carling Cup win over Derby last week, but his latest double were his first goals in the league for nearly two and a half months.

“I said to him afterwards ‘it’s very good of you to start scoring again son!’” joked the boss.

“I’m really pleased for him because he’s been missing by inches for weeks now. He’s delighted to get the two goals and I think you’ll see him start to motor now.”