A composed start from both teams seems like a strategy. Nani is injured shortly after start of play but recovers soon. Two quick attempts by Man Utd within the 1st 5 minutes, first by Rooney, and then another by Scholes. Within the 7th minute, Nani was trying his luck at goal scoring, and then came the heartbreaking finish to Valencias attempt, could have been better if the ball was passed to Rooney who was free as well. Despite their restraints attempts, Stoke does create a half chance by constructing a great move, and strike which fortunately goes awry.

Another great run by Nani in the 18th minute saw another off target attempt which could have seen better results if the ball had yet again been passed to Rooney who was in a closer and more central position. A minor tussle commences in the 25th minute but no cards are shown as the referee reasons with both teams. A yellow card for Huth comes up in the 29th minute for an oncoming tackle that Scholes overemphasizes. A few slow minutes of play and a lot of booing from the Stoke supporters.

A sudden spark of hope for Man Utd in the 41st minute with Berbatov effectively switching the balls direction towards Fletcher but no results and the next minute Rooney is left unrewarded yet again. A very decent attempt from Nani comes up before the 45th minute with a shot on target that’s struck away by the Stoke goalie. The game ends with Stoke taking control of the ball but no results.

The second half begins on the same note and certainly sees Rooney even more charged. A great drive through from Evra, and a good pass to Nani, close defense so that ends in a corner. Soon after, there’s another feeble attempt by Nani that’s easily collected by the Stoke goalie. In the 55th minute, Nani comes off to give way to Giggs.

Finally it pays off. Giggs assists a goal and passes superbly to Berbatov who finds himself in close quarters to the goal post and strikes effortlessly. Scholes certainly should feel relieved as the referee doesn’t give him a card which was almost expected knowing Scholes history with fouls and subsequent cards but this one just ends with a free kick for Stoke despite Scholes having premeditated an expectant card and walking towards the referee looking guilty as hell.

With about 18 minutes of play left in normal time, Stoke brings on 2 substitutes. Man Utd attacks yet again but this one is a clear offside. Talk about set piece perfection, an explosive pass from Giggs sees a goal from unlikely quarters, a header from John O’shea. Would you believe it, he scores after 2 ½ years. Giggs has again proved his formidable position in the team. A great pass from Scholes to Giggs could certainly have been his 100th, but alas it’s not to be. Evans steps on field in place of Rooney in the 80th minute.

Keeping in mind their Champions league commitment this week, Carrick steps in for Scholes and Owen too gets to play for the last 10 minutes soon after. In the 86th minute, Stoke opts for their 3rd substitute. It’s still the slow approach that has worked wonders for the Red Devils, and the home team is slowly beginning to feel the heat sink on. Very less time and an unbeatable target at this point, the Man Utd players seem to play around with the ball, and no attempt from Stoke seems enough now. We end this one with a thank you note to Giggs, the big Welshman.