Stoke 1 United 2

It was always going to be hard-fought if United's first away win of the league campaign was to be at the Britannia Stadium, and so it proved as Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's double defeated Stoke City with minutes to spare.

The Mexican made the breakthrough with a backheader in the first half but it was his second goal, a less spectacular stab from close range, that cued the biggest celebrations, coming as it did in the 85th minute - four minutes after Tuncay equalised for the home side. At that point, when the Stoke substitute's superb shot rippled the net behind Edwin van der Sar, the Reds looked to be heading for a fifth successive away draw after once again surrendering a winning position. But United stayed calm and constructed a fine move that Chicharito finished with lethal aplomb.

Sir Alex favoured experience and physical presence over Brazilian flair, handing club captain Gary Neville his 600th United appearance at right-back – instead of Rafael - and picking John O’Shea at left-back with Patrice Evra pushed up to wide midfield. Nani started on the right, Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes were paired in the middle and in the absence of Rooney - unable to play on his 25th birthday because of an injury rather than any fall-out from the past dramatic week - United's attack comprised Chicharito and Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian’s first sight of goal came when Fletcher threaded a pass to him on the edge of the area but Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen was swiftly off his line to intervene. Moments later, Berbatov led a three-on-two break and fed Nani to his right. When the Portuguese picked out Chicharito at the far post and the Mexican could only head back into the middle for Stoke to clear, Berbatov was evidently incensed.

Source : Man Utd