Manchester United have crept to the top of the English Premier League table defeating Stoke City 2-0, but it took two old boys to inspire them to yet another victory.
Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes rolled back the years yet again, and their experience, skill and leadership led United to their seventh victory of the season.
Sir Alex Ferguson brought Giggs on as an early second half substitute, and it only took 10 minutes for the old Welshman to make his impact felt.
He made a great run into the Stoke penalty area, and Darren Fletcher supplied a beautifully weighted pass to him, and he then turned provider and picked out Dimitar Berbatov to poke home the first goal of the match.
Giggs was again deeply involved in United’s second goal. He whipped in a lovely free kick, which John O’Shea met superbly and planted his header into the far corner of the net.
Lucky
Scholes was on from the start and he controlled the midfield battle with ease. He was, without question, the man pulling the strings as United dictated the pace of the play.
United should have taken the lead and control of the match, but their finishing was wayward at best.
Scholes, who was sent off in his last Premier League match against Tottenham, was lucky to escape without another one.
Already have been booked, his arms went up and a Stoke player's cross struck his arm in an unnatural position, which should have resulted in his second booking and his marching orders.
Better
United’s goalkeeper Ben Foster, who was at fault for two of Manchester City’s goals last weekend, was not troubled all afternoon.
Foster controlled his penalty area with conviction, and his kicking game was on par. A lot of that had to do with the back passing from defenders – they mostly played the ball back to him on his favored left foot.
He almost registered an assist when he picked out Giggs late in the second half with a long goal kick.
United did not reach the summit of the Premier League until after the New Year last season, and with more consistent performances there is no reason why they will not stay there.
While the season is still in its early stages, United are in a much better position than any of their critics predicted that they would be in. Even some top flight managers said that United could not cope with the losses of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, but one thing that you never do is bet against Sir Alex.
United are being led this season by Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher and Patrice Evra leading the way, the potential for this squad in limitless.
It just goes to show that United are greater than the sum of their parts.
Ratings
B. Foster - 6; J. O’Shea - 7, R. Ferdinand - 7, N. Vidic - 7, Evra - 7; A. Valencia - 6, Nani, P. Scholes - 9 (M. Carrick - 5), D. Fletcher - 7, Nani - 5 (R. Giggs - 8); W. Rooney -6 (M. Owen-5), D. Berbatov - 6
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