Fergie almost knocked over in van Persie’s flood of relief

Stoke City 0 Manchester United 2

But for a title-challenging side, Robin van Persie’s 12 hour 31 minute, 10-game barren spell proved to be a worry for Alex Ferguson.

No wonder the Dutchman celebrated with such an overwhelming outpouring of emotion when he converted a 67th-minute spot kick to score his 25th goal for Manchester United and first since February 10.