Manchester United (50 points) have moved to within 12 points of league leaders and city rivals Manchester City (62 points) after an emphatic 3-0 win over relegation threatened Stoke City in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Returning right back Antonio Valencia gave the hosts an early lead with a left-footed cum classy finish but Stoke City, with new manager Paul Lambert watching in the stands, recovered well to create two very good openings that should have been converted before they were undone by another sumptuous finish from French winger Anthony Martial before the end of the first half.

Romelu Lukaku added a third goal after the interval to give Manchester United a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the Potters to hand them a little hope on the title race.