Needlessly Nervy

Stoke deployed a direct 4-4-2 at Old Trafford. And why not? They've been battered here in recent history. Why not go down with a real fight with two strikers.

But, playing with two forwards against superior competition requires real discipline to shape, with Shawcross and Huth needing stellar performances to keep Chicharito and Berbatov at bay.

As for United, exit Wayne Rooney, enter Chicharito, and welcome back Nani. Largely, it would be up to Nani and Giggs, with alternating overlapping runs from Evra or Rafael, to provide width and creativity in attack.

Since this post will arrive long after the final whistle, one where United's dominance did not reflect itself in the 2-1 final score, I'll focus on three take-aways from the match.

First, United lack the traditional killer instinct.

Despite an overwhelming possession statistic and lopsided number of chances for the Red Devils, United never once held a two-goal lead. Which is troublesome, especially given United's penchant for losing leads, albeit typically on the road.

Too often this campaign we've witnessed gilt-edged chances, the kind that would put the match away, miss their intended target. Sometimes it's just one of those days, one where they don't go in.

But this year's ridiculous, with the number of chances missed when it's time to put the match to bed. Do you really think Stoke have it in them to come from two goals down? Please. They average 1.238 goals per match. Hardly world beaters. Going down two away from home looks like Mt. Everest to this squad – just look at their last two trips to Old Trafford as your evidence.

However, they did score during a decent 5-8 minute stretch immediately after half time.

Where the Potters once hung on by a thread, now their purpose and drive rose palatably for everyone to see, thereby transforming the match. Allowing a goal from an opponent who hasn't scored a top-flight goal on your ground for 30 years is a foreboding event, one that can make even the most un-superstitious fan feel anxious about the outcome.

Second, thus far United confound everyone outside the club, both the media and supporters alike.

United's 20 match unbeaten run continues more through perseverance than anything else. I know every single fan has had the “what if's” float across their consciousness. The Red Devils are only two or three missed chances away from running away with this league title.

Which inevitably leads us to think of classic Cantona-timed moments or a Solskjaer rescue-job from the bench. Right now, this team has had some late-goal heroics, but strangely feels like it doesn't have anyone in particular to count on nor a collective presence to put teams away. Yet, the streak continues. Confounding, really.

Last, this match highlighted three bright stars that are both United's present and future.

Special recognition goes out to Chicharito and Nani, as they traded goal scoring and assist responsibilities and provided the majority of the menace in attack, while young Chris Smalling did brilliantly well against decent competition, another milestone in his development, despite getting pulled out for the goal.

For all his bad decisions and inconsistent crosses, Nani still terrorizes all with the ability to run past or dribble through people, which was a relief today with Park and Valencia out. Nani's quick move for a half-yard of space and left-footed laser from the top of the box sealed the victory – pure quality.

Meanwhile, Chicharito's goal, a deft trailing-leg deflected-shot, oozes class and that born-not-made poacher instinct. Hernandez' near post runs are lighting-quick, brilliantly timed, and everyone knows the likely destination, but defenders can't stop them. Just ask Ryan Shawcross. Speed and instincts kill here even when well-marked.

What should I say about Mr. Smalling's performance. Well, let's let Sir Alex do the talking instead, shall we:

"You have to have faith and trust in the players. They have earned that trust. I see them every day in training and in the games they have played in. They have never let me down.

And Chris Smalling was excellent. At 20 years of age he is doing very well. I am pleased with his improvement. He is certainly the future of the club.”

And there you have it.

No killer instinct. The unbeaten stretch continues. And United demonstrate the ability to continue to identify and develop world-class players.

Three point are three points, oh Zen-master, even if they were needlessly nervy in the end.

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Back at you after the Liverpool FA Cup match. Cheers.