Since the new league was formed in 1992, only Andy Cole, Alan Shearer and Jermain Defoe have scored five in a single game.
Berbatov joined that band, scoring twice before half-time, then three more times after the break as United finally rid themselves of the shackles that have halted their progress this season.
More importantly, it sent them powering to the top of the table for the first time this season, giving a significant boost to their goal difference as well at the start of a month that includes meetings with both Arsenal and Chelsea in a potentially pivotal seven-day December period.
Ji-sung Park had put United 2-0 up and Nani scored the fifth on a miserable afternoon for Rovers, who did at least get on the scoresheet late on through Chris Samba.
Source: PA
Source: PA