Fergie backs Reds to make title charge

STOKE CITY 1, MANCHESTER UNITED 2
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Javier Hernandez's late winner in yesterday’s 2–1 victory at Stoke could prove crucial in this season's Barclays Premier League title race.

Ferguson endured a remarkable week to see his side produce a laboured display.

Hernandez flicked in a superb backward header in the first half, but Stoke substitute Tuncay curled in a marvellous equaliser nine minutes from time.

But Hernandez popped up to poke in a winner with four minutes left, to cut Chelsea's league lead to a manageable five points.

Ferguson's teams have made a habit of striking late throughout his long reign.

Ferguson has been in charge of United for 24 years, but can rarely have been in charge through a more turbulent week.

Persuading Rooney to stay may yet prove to be his lasting legacy, but he insists the power struggles he has had to contend with come with the turf.

He said: "There are always issues to deal with. When your top players come towards the end of their contracts you have to do something to get them a new one.”