Man Utd 4-2 Stoke

Wayne Rooney recovered from scoring an own goal to strike twice and earn Manchester United victory over Stoke. In a seesaw game that was in keeping with United's performances this season, Rooney nodded into his own net to give Stoke the lead and then equalised from another header before the break. Once Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck were on target to give United the advantage, it looked like it would be a comfortable victory for the hosts. But there were again question marks about theidefence as Michael Kightly ran at Rio Ferdinand to make it 3-2 before Rooney restored a two-goal cushion with a simple finish for his 200th club goal. The goals were Rooney's first for his club this season, and came after he scored three times for England on international duty with Welbeck also getting his first club goal this term. And the attacking trio of Rooney, Welbeck and Van Persie once again papered over the cracks as United chalked up their ninth win in 10 games and remain four points behind league leaders Chelsea. But ahead of the clash between the top two at Stamford Bridge next Sunday, the west Londoners will have watched with interest as Stoke caused problems in the first half during an entertaining game. The occasion was already noteworthy before kick-off when Ferdinand decided not to wear a Kick It Out T-shirt, contrary to Sir Alex Ferguson's hopes on Friday when he stated that football should remain united in its battle to fight racism in the game.