Fergie masterstroke ensures easy United win

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: Michael Carrick of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester United at Britannia Stadium

As Manchester United lined up to to face Stoke City at the daunting Britannia stadium, many were surprised to see the side being put out by Sir Alex. After a long time, we saw Rooney being played as an out-and-out central midfielder alongside Carrick, with Kagawa on the left and Valencia on the right. RvP and Chicharito started upfront for the away side. United were coming in on the back of a 2-1 derby loss to Man City at Old Trafford and the FA Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea, and doubts were being expressed as the team headed to a tough away ground.

Playing Rooney at the heart of midfield was a move which paid off spectacularly. He is a burly lad, so there never was any question about him being bullied off the ball by the Stoke midfielders. He gave a mature performance today. He was with Carrick to defend and attack balls when needed; and when he had possession, he’d either spray the ball to the wingers or burst forward with it from central midfield to begin attacks. The 2^nd goal was emblematic of this theme. He made a wonderful pass after a great run and RvP got fouled inside the box, mainly due to the quality of the ball. Sir Alex said that a spell in central midfield would be good for Rooney’s confidence, and how right he was! It also allowed Chicharito a good run out.

RvP’s goal was a massive relief to him and to the staff at the club, as evident from his celebrations. He was having a decent game till that point. He coolly dispatched the penalty and then ran to the bench to celebrate with the boss and his mates, which was heartening to see. The boss was delighted as well. The strain of going 10 games without a goal was showing and the relief would have been overpowering for the Dutchman.This goal could see RvP go on a run of goals again which would be great for his confidence going into the next season.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – APRIL 14: Robin van Persie of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal with manager Sir Alex Ferguson

The defence played well again. Phil Jones, starting at the right-back position, was fantastic against City on Monday and he continued his good form here as well. He didn’t allow Stoke to put in crosses from his end and tried to assist in the attack. He got an assist for Carrick’s goal as well which capped off a good showing by him. The central defenders were strong against the aerial bombardment that Stoke always carry out against visiting sides. It was good to see the famed Vidic-Ferdinand duo play together in such a crucial game. Evra was good as well.

A special mention for Carrick here. He has been awesome this season! He got a goal today which was great to see. He does so much of the dirty work for the side that we forget he can score goals too! His presence of mind saw United take a vital early lead at Stoke, and eventually helped them to control the game.

The performance that we saw was really heartening for everyone connected to the club. From Rooney springing Scholes-esque balls out to Valencia and Kagawa, to Jones’ continued solidity and the obvious piece of good news – RvP’s goal, it was an accomplished performance from the side which re-asserted its dominance at the top of the league. As commentator Steve Banyard pointed out, Man United have been brilliantly consistent and not consistently brilliant this season. This is why they deserve the mammoth lead they have over Man City. This is what will make title no.20 all the more special for the club and its fans.