Saved by that boy again - TODAYonline

AFTERNOON LATEST

MANCHESTER - Never mind the quality, feel the quantity of points. Manchester United continue to put in average displays and continue to lead the Premier League, moving three points clear of Manchester City with a largely comfortable 2-1 home victory over Stoke City.

Although the performance of Sir Alex Ferguson's side will not linger long in the memory, the goals of Javier Hernandez and Nani will.

Starting with only six regulars - among the absentees were striker Wayne Rooney, who injured his ankle at the weekend, and centre-back Rio Ferdinand, who was rested ahead of Sunday's FA Cup match against Liverpool - Ferguson had given chances to the likes of Chris Smalling, Darron Gibson and Hernandez, who soon continued his good scoring run against Stoke.

Having struck twice in the Potteries, the Little Pea was at it again last night, scoring United's first and playing a significant role in their second. The Mexican's first-half effort - his eighth of the season and second in four days - was a gem, his back-heel off a Nani pass adding to the array of eye-catching goals he has scored in his six months at Old Trafford.

But his finish from a fine United move was the highlight of a disappointing first period, a generally unchallenging period for the hosts played out to a subdued atmosphere, barring the lively Stoke contingent.

Dean Whitehead ended the feeling that this was a United training match with a superbly-taken equaliser, a neat header past stand-in goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak from Tuncay's cross, immediately stirring the thought over why Stoke had not played with such purpose in the first half.

But Stoke had little time to celebrate their first goal here in 30 years as United swiftly regained the lead as the Stretford End chorused "attack, attack, attack". It was a worthy winner, Nani exchanging passes with Hernandez before sweeping a 20-metre curler past Asmir Begovic.

"Stoke are such a determined bunch of lads - they don't make it easy for anyone, breaking them down," Ferguson said. "Thankfully Nani produced a fantastic goal ... and from then we were solid."

United has now collected 19 points from a possible 21 in its last seven matches and boast a game in hand over City, who visit Arsenal later tonight. AGENCIES