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 back-header 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 league 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. 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. At the other end, Rory Delap slashed a long-range effort wide after van der Sar had left his net gaping with a poor kick from close to his right-hand corner flag.
Talk before the game was about how United’s defence, yet to keep a clean sheet in a league away match this season, would handle Stoke’s aerial bombardment from Delap’s infamous throws and the deliveries from wingers Jermaine Pennant and Matthew Etherington. How ironic, then, that a corner should find the Potters floundering in their own box for Chicharito’s breakthrough goal on 27 minutes. From the set-piece, Nani played a one-two with Patrice Evra and crossed to the far post, the majestic Nemanja Vidic won the aerial battle to nod the ball back into the mixer, and Chicharito – the smallest man on the park – beat Sorensen with a sweet back-header.
Chicharito almost bagged a cheeky second when Faye sold his keeper slightly short with an under-hit backpass, and as Sorensen cleared, the ball cannoned back off the Mexican but cleared the crossbar. Another effort went over the top when Evra met Nani’s corner.
The Reds looked more likely to score again than concede as the first half drew to a close but there was controversy when Neville scythed down Stoke winger Matthew Etherington only moments after being booked for a foul on the same player. Boos rang out around the Britannia as referee Andre Marriner declined to give the right-back his marching orders. Instead, Neville left the fray at his manager’s behest, and was replaced by Wes Brown for the second half. The period opened in similar fashion to the first and there was a momentary flash of danger when former Reds centre-back Ryan Shawcross attempted an overhead kick inside the United box.
Marriner took action when Danny Collins’ crunching foul on Nani brought an angry Sir Alex to the touchline – the referee booked the Stoke left-back – but he did nothing when Evra was crudely shoved over in the area by Delap with only Sorensen to beat. Evra also appealed in vain for a penalty when his ball inside the box struck one, if not both, of Robert Huth’s hands but the former Chelsea defender – in fairness – had his arms down and behind his back.
With the war of attrition all but won, Sir Alex replaced O’Shea the grafter with craftsman Michael Carrick. However it was the goalkeeper, van der Sar, rather than a midfielder, who sent Berbatov promisingly away with some perfect distribution. The Bulgarian latched onto the Dutchman's long throw and produced a great cross from left to right that Chicharito almost buried, instead just missing the far post with his volley across Sorensen. It was a let-off for the Potters and they duly profited in the 81st minute when Scholes gave away possession and Tuncay – one of three Stoke substitutes – fired a stunning left-footed shot beyond van der Sar’s grasp, into the top left-hand corner.
Yet again, the Reds had lost a lead, but thankfully it was only for four minutes. Scholes atoned for his error by heading on Berbatov’s chipped pass, Evra controlled it with his chest and then hooked the ball inside for the lurking Chicharito to stab home his second, decisive goal. A handful of ecstatic United fans spilled onto the pitch to celebrate with the players and their exuberance was understandable – the Reds had won away for the first time this season, in classic last-gasp fashion, and at the end of a turbulent week.
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