Changed the game!

By Chris,
September 26 2009

Second-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and John O’Shea saw United maintain their awesome run of form with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Stoke. The win sends United top of the table as the club prepares for European Cup action to get underway on Wednesday evening.

The visitors created a handful of chances in a largely uninspiring opening period. Antonio Valencia showed a clean pair of heels to ex-Red Ryan Shawcross but fired a disappointing effort wide of the post, before a very poor Nani failed to capitalise on a vintage United counter-attack by smashing a woeful shot miles over Thomas Sorenson's post.

United were lacking a killer instinct despite creating more chances - and Sir Alex Ferguson dragged off Nani and threw Ryan Giggs on. The change had an almost immediate impact. The Welshman latched onto a through pass from Fletcher and squared superb for Berbatov who tucked the ball home from yards out.

Giggs, brimming with confidence, was also the creator for United's second. The game was put beyond reasonable doubt on 77 minutes as United's Cardiff-born winger floated in a great free-kick that met the head of O'Shea before hitting the back of the net.

Sir Alex's men had chances to extend their lead in the closing stages - and the United boss will be delighted with this gritty, determined and patient display. The Reds have now won seven games on the bounce and, following Chelsea's defeat at Wigan, the champions have reached the Premier League's summit once again.

Full Time - Stoke City 0-2 Manchester United
Attendance - 27,500