Manchester: Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick as Manchester United kept their season alive by storming back to beat Olympiakos 3-0 and reach the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.


Manchester United's Dutch forward Robin van Persie reacts after scoring the opening goal off a penalty during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Manchester United and Olympiakos at Old Trafford in Manchester. Pic/AFP 

United were left on the brink of elimination after losing the first leg of the last 16 tie 2-0, but on a stirring night at Old Trafford the Dutchman's treble took them into the last eight for the first time since 2011.