United will be delighted to have picked up maximum points from this fixture - particularly given the large number of players who were unavailable.

11 members of the first-team squad were out of action, including striker Wayne Rooney. Goalkeeper Ben Amos was handed a Premier League debut.

The injury crisis meant forgotten man Tomasz Kuszczak was named on the bench as back-up goalkeeper. Paul Pogba and Will Keane were also amongst the substitutes.

Sir Alex's men broke the deadlock seven minutes before the break. Jermaine Pennant fouled Ji-Sung Park, a penalty was awarded and Mexican frontman Hernandez slotted the ball home from 12 yards.

The second penalty came on 53 minutes. Jonathan Walters hauled down Antonio Valencia and referee Mike Jones pointed to the spot. Penalty duties fell to Berbatov, and he doubled the lead with a cool penalty.

United came close to bagging a third in injury-time through Berbatov - but given the huge number of absentees, Sir Alex will be absolutely delighted to have overcome Stoke and taken his team level on points with City.

Full Time - Manchester United 2-0 Stoke City
Attendance - 74,719

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