Middlesbrough have traditionally held something of a hoodoo over United at Old Trafford, but even they had no answer to another vibrant attacking display from Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Goals from Nani, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez (twice) invalidated an early equaliser from Jeremie Aliadiere and put United on top of the Barclays Premier League, ahead of Arsenals trip to Liverpool on Sunday.
Following on from convincing victories over Wigan, Aston Villa and Dynamo Kyiv, the scoreline also marked a fourth-consecutive four-goal haul, equalling a club record set back in the 1907/08 season.
The only noteworthy change to Sir Alex Fergusons line-up saw Owen Hargreaves return for only his fourth United appearance, his first taste of action since the victory over Sunderland on September 1.
Whereas Boro traditionally come to Old Trafford with a stifling approach clearly at the fore, Gareth Southgates 4-4-2 formation suggested the potential for an open game, and Nani's early goal bore that out in style.
Just three minutes had passed when he picked the ball up on the left flank, just inside the Boro half. The Portuguese winger beat three defenders, cut inside and sent goalwards a scorching 30-yard drive which arced over the flailing Schwarzer.
Less than two minutes later, Tevez could have doubled the Reds lead. The Argentine striker was sent clean through, but his attempt to lift the ball over Schwarzer was thwarted by the Australian stopper.
United would rue that miss moments later as the visitors drew level. Turkish striker Tuncay, who scored a hat-trick for Fenerbahce in his last appearance against the Reds, did superbly to outfox John OShea and send in a cross, which Aliadiere glanced in off van der Sars far post.
The Turk proved troublesome again after 24 minutes, curling in another fine cross which Stewart Downing headed wastefully past the far post. Boro were by no means bossing the game, but they were certainly proving a handful on the counter-attack.
United, as per, were enjoying the lions share of possession, and responded to Downings near-miss with one of their own, as Ronaldo latched onto Rooneys pass and sent a left-footed shot skidding just past Schwarzers post.
Downing was heavily involved again as United retook the lead after 32 minutes. The England international dwelled on the ball inside his own area and, as he attempted to pass clear, Nani nicked the ball to Rooney, who hammered a shot past Schwarzer and in.
The Australian was called into action again moments later as United sought to extend their lead. A spell of heavy pressure ended with OShea sliding the ball back to Ronaldo, whose low sidefooted effort was held just in front of the line.
1998 goal against Barcelona, scored with similarly intuitive front-play.
With a two-goal lead established, Sir Alex opted to bring on Darren Fletcher and Gerard Pique for some much-needed playing time, as they replaced Hargreaves and Ferdinand respectively, while Ryan Giggs replaced Anderson. There was no disruption to Uniteds attacking flow, however, and they grabbed a fourth goal with five minutes remaining.
Rooney broke from deep inside his own half and left Cattermole trailing in his wake before picking out Tevez, who cut inside and, although his goal-bound shot struck Taylors arm, it bounced down into the ground and past the hapless Schwarzer.
And with that, United had equalled a century-old record and moved to the top of the Premier League table, with a tantalising trip to title rivals Arsenal looming next weekend.
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand (Pique, 73), OShea; Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Fletcher, 66), Anderson (Giggs, 78), Nani; Tevez, Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Simpson.
Middlesbrough: Schwarzer; Young, Woodgate, Wheater, Taylor; ONeil, Cattermole (Boateng, 90), Rochemback, Downing; Tuncay (Lee, 80), Aliadiere (Hutchinson, 55).
Subs not used: Turnbull, Hines.
Attendance: 75,720
