JAVIER HERNANDEZ
produced an outrageous headed goal to sink
Stoke.
Manchester United's
Mexican magician netted the opener by nodding in the ball using the
BACK of his head.
Hernandez turned his back on the Stoke goal as Nemanja Vidic
knocked the ball across the six-yard box. But he left the Potters
defence dumbfounded by predicting the flight of the ball and
connecting perfectly to leave keeper Thomas Sorensen
floundering.
Stoke sub Tuncay brought the home side back into the game on 81
minutes with his own super strike.
But just five minutes later, Hernandez - standing in for the
crocked Wayne Rooney - grabbed his second of the afternoon to earn
United their first win on the road in five attempts this
season.
Stoke, though, were fuming that Gary Neville escaped a sending
off when he brought Matthew Etherington crashing to the ground.
Neville had already been cautioned for a studs-up challenge on
the winger when he caught the same player. But referee Andre
Marriner sparked fury amongst the home support when he refused to
take action.
Both keepers were relative bystanders throughout but although
chances were at a premium, the action was pulsating enough to keep
the crowd entertained.
United should have taken the lead inside the opening 10 minutes
but failed to make the most of a three-on-two counter-attack.
Van Der Sar gave United a scare when his rushed clearance fell
for Rory Delap inside the centre circle but the Irishman's
speculative effort curved well wide.
Delap then sent in a trademark long throw that Robert Huth
flicked on but no one was there at the far post to apply the final
touch.
But on 27 minutes, Hernandez served up his treat out of nowhere
to put the visitors ahead.
Neville and then Paul Scholes entered the book as the pace
quickened before Hernandez charged down Sorensen's clearance, with
the ball ballooning just over the bar.
Neville then got away with his second challenge on Etherington
before United ended the half strongly with Patrice Evra - operating
at left midfield - heading over and Vidic seeing his shot rise too
high.
United boss Alex Ferguson wanted to replace Neville with Wes
Brown at the break but the sub was not ready so Neville took his
place ready for kick-off. But just as Marriner was about to
restart, Brown appeared and Neville was made to trudge off on his
600th appearance, much to the enjoyment of the home fans.
It was United's turn to feel hard done-by when Evra was sent
sprawling in the box by Delap but again Marriner ignored the
protests.
On 72 minutes, Dimitar Berbatov broke down the left wing and
found Hernandez with a pinpoint centre but the striker's solid
volley whizzed past the far upright.
Tuncay's entrance gave Stoke a touch more class up top and his
wonder strike brought the scores level with nine minutes left. He
cut in from the right wing before unleashing a wicked curler that
left Van Der Sar beaten all ends up.
The home fans were still in dreamland when Berbatov caused more
mayhem, Evra acrobatically touched the ball across goal and
Hernandez touched the ball home.
Four minutes of added time gave Stoke hope of another equaliser
but although Sorensen went up for a late corner, United stood firm,
with Nani denied a third thanks to a brilliant save from the Danish
keeper.
Stoke:
Man Utd:
Att:
Ref:
