Five Talking Points from Stoke City's 2-1 win over Manchester United

Carrick proves his worth yet again

Whenever Carrick has been injured, United sorely missed him in the center of the park, patrolling the midfield. At Stoke, he was back and continued to conduct the orchestra with great aplomb. He showed just why he is regarded as one of the finest passers in the world. But on 40 minutes, an injury to Jones meant that the Englishman had to slot it at center half, a position he has reluctantly played on many occasions. He then went onto display a commanding display in the center of defense and was arguably the best defender on the pitch. Playing alongside Smalling and Evra, who both had an off day, Carrick ensured that the score was just 2-1. And although he was at fault for Stoke’s first goal, he redeemed himself by playing a vital part in United’s equalizer. By the end of the game, he was United’s Man of the Match and looked like the only player capable of pulling things back.