Five goals in 22 second half minutes saw Manchester United stage a dramatic fight-back and hammer Tottenham 5-2 at Old Trafford.

By half time goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modric had seemingly put Tottenham on course for a shock win at Manchester United.

But in an incredible second half turnaround the Champions elect, inspired by Wayne Rooney, triumphed.

However the turning point was a dubious penalty award by Howard Booth which gave hope to United.

Television replays showed Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes got to the ball before Michael Carrick, but referee Howard Webb immediately pointed to the spot and Ronaldo did the rest.

Wayne Rooney brought the side's level and a minute later Ronaldo put the Reds in front.

Rooney got his second and former Spurs player Dimitar Berbatov scrambled number five.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged a poor first half showing and admitted the penalty decision was fortunate, telling Setanta Sports.

"We had to get the first goal and that give us the impetus to have a magnificent performance.

"We were too slow and casual in the first half which played into Tottenham's hands and we deserved to be down at half time.

"Yes we were fortunate for the penalty, but football is a funny game and we should have had a penalty against Everton last week but we got a break today.

"However that shouldn't deflect from a fantastic second half performance and once we got that first goal we were electric.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was understandably not happy man.

He told Setanta Sports, "At 2-0 I thought there was no danger, but the turning point was the penalty. It was a gift which lifted the crowd and wasn't deserved.

"It was a terrible decision. The keeper did well, came out and cleared the ball away cleanly.

"If he is our best referee, than on today's performance I'd hate to see the worst. He's had a terrible day and changed the course of the game."