MU extend lead
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez (L) flicks home the opening goal against Stoke during their Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Tuesday.Photo: AFP
Manchester United went three points clear at the top of the English Premier League table after a 2-1 win over Stoke on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Fulham climbed out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 victory at home to West Bromwich Albion while Birmingham also exited the bottom three following a 2-1 win away to Blackpool.
Javier Hernandez, who scored United's winner in a 2-1 win away to West Brom last time out, broke the deadlock in the 27th minute at Old Trafford with a stylish flick behind his legs from Nani's cross.
However, Stoke were level five minutes after half-time when Dean Whitehead scored their first goal at Old Trafford since 1980 after rising unmarked to head in Tuncay's cross.
But just after the hour mark United, the only unbeaten side in English football's top flight this season, regained the lead thanks to Nani's sublime left-footed curler from 20 yards out.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made several changes to his side with some, such as Wayne Rooney's ankle problem, injury-induced and he was delighted by the way his new-look team performed against the Potters.
Fulham scored on the stroke of half-time when Simon Davies's long-range shot went through the hands of fumbling former England goalkeeper Scott Carson.
The hosts doubled their lead at Craven Cottage when United States midfielder Clint Dempsey headed in Davies's corner in the 56th minute.
And nine minutes later a Davies corner also led to Fulham's third goal, with Norwegian defender Brede Hangeland heading home on this occasion.
Albion's fifth defeat in a row meant they were just two points above the relegation zone.
Birmingham left it late to beat Blackpool, Scott Dann netting in the 89th minute after Roger Johnson's nod-down from Jean Beausejour's centre.
Results
Blackpool 1 (Campbell 68)
Birmingham 2 (Hleb 24,
Dann 89)
Fulham 3 (Davies 45, Dempsey 56, Hangeland 65) West Brom 0
Manchester United 2 (Hernandez 27, Nani 62) Stoke 1 (Whitehead 50)
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