Goal drought is ended by robin van Persie at Stoke to move Manchester United nearer... - Metro

Manchester United moved ever nearer their 20th top-flight name with a program 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Stoke. Objectives in either half from Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie, who concluded a ten-game goal drought, saw United recover their 15-point lead over champions Manchester City. The beat leaves Stoke three items from safety, with next Saturdayas trip to second-from-bottom QPR Ataking on even more value for the Potters, who have not acquired in seven games. United opened the score in the fourth moment through Carrick a' the midfielder poking a bad work home after the hosts did not cope with a Van Persie place. John Huth nearly nodded house an equaliser but the bulk of the first half was a desperately dull grind, with only inches that were whizzed by a Rooney free-kick after dark post highlighting actions. The ticket was somewhat richer after the restart, with Van Perise going close when shooting a Javier Hernandez mix into the aspect netting before the striker finally found the web from the area in the moment. Van Persie had acquired himself to the penalty after being clumsily tripped by Andy Wilkinson as he scale back onto his right foot. Owner Asmir Begovic suspected correctly but there was too much power and precision in the low-driven charge, with the Dutchman rushing up to the touchline for a celebratory hug with boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Former United striker Michael Owen, who will retire at the end of the growing season, was introduced to applause from both sets of fans with 13 minutes left. He failed to influence the action but a Charlie Adam cross nearly made its way to the net but for an exceptional save yourself from David De Gea. Stoke: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Wilkinson, Shotton,AWhelan, Nzonzi, Adam, Walters, Jackson. Subs: Sorensen, Palacios,AOwen, Whitehead, Kightly, Crouch, Jerome. Guy Utd: Delaware Gea, Johnson, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia,ACarrick, Rooney, Kagawa, Hernandez, Van Persie. Subs:ALindegaard, Evans, Giggs, Smalling, Welbeck, Cleverley, Buttner. Referee: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire)