Manchester United 2-1 Stoke City : Five Talking Points

Goals from Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata were enough for the Red Devils to secure their third-straight home win and move to within a point off Southampton in third place. Steven N’Zonzi first-half equaliser wasn’t enough as the visitors lost yet again at Old TraffordHere are the major talking points from the game.

#1 Wilson outshines Van Persie

Given Robin Van Persie's poor form over the past few weeks, many expected James Wilson to start against Hull, but Van Gaal kept the faith and was rewarded. But against Stoke, he started both Van Persie and Wilson together.

Without Rooney and Di Maria, service up to the front men was always going to be an issue and the fact that Mata was playing a bit deeper and Herrera had a bad day only made it worse. But even without much service, Wilson showed just why he is so highly regarded in the United ranks as he showed plenty of fight and hunger to win the ball and do something with it as well.

His industry was almost rewarded with a goal, but after an excellent run through the heart of the visitors defence, the Englishman was unable to take his chance, but he certainly showed why he should start more games for United.

#2 Herrera unable to make the most of his opportunity

Injuries to Di Maria and Rooney meant that Ander Herrera finally got his opportunity against Stoke City. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, he didn't make the most of it, even though provided the cross that lead to the opening goal. Missing an open goal early on set the tone for Herrera, who was unable to showcase his talent against Stoke.

Whether it was misplacing simple passes in attack or just being overly cautious with the ball, the central midfielder simply lacked the composure to do the right thing. Barring a few flickers in the first half, the Spaniard wasn't his usual industrious self.

Whether it was because of his lack of confidence or game time, one thing is for sure, Herrera certainly missed a golden opportunity to shine in the absence of Rooney and Di Maria.

#3 Smalling starting to shine

After the stupid red card in the Manchester derby, there were many who were questioning Chris Smalling's place in the starting XI. But ever since his return from suspension, the Englishman has looked rock solid for the Red Devils.

Against Stoke, he showcased his defensive prowess whether it was nipping in front of the attacker or a clearing header in the box. But importantly for United, not only did he do his job defensively, but he also displayed plenty of confidence and composure as he strode forward with the ball.

Smalling is gradually starting to show signs of maturity and although it is still early days, the signs are certainly there of a blossoming central defensive partnership with Marcos Rojo.

#4 Stoke almost snatch it at the end

Although Manchester United dominated the possession for the entire game, the visitors kept them at arm's length for most of the game. And that gave them the opportunity to go all out and attack in the final few minutes. With Peter Crouch up front, they always had a chance, but it was the former Manchester United striker Mame Diouf who almost snatched a point for Stoke right at the end.

But unfortunately for Mark Hughes, a combination of David De Gea and Ashley Young meant that for the second time in the space of a few days, his side came away with nothing away from home.

#5 United starting to gather momentum

Victory over Stoke meant that not only did United cement fourth spot, but also moved to within two points off Manchester City in second place, albeit with a game in hand. Four wins on the trot for the first time in almost 12 months have meant that the Red Devils have finally to win a run of games in their pursuit of a Champions League spot.

With a couple of tricky games against Southampton and Liverpool in the next couple of weeks, it looks as though they are gathering momentum at exactly the right moment as far as they are concerned.