Manchester United 2-1 Stoke City: Fellaini & Mata hand Van Gaal fourth straight victory

The Red Devils made life difficult for themselves, though, with Mame Biram Diouf twice seeing efforts miraculously saved off the line dep into injury time
Manchester United beat Stoke City 2-1 at Old Trafford to secure their fourth consecutive Premier League victory.

But they were made to sweat for it as Mame Biram Diouf, a former Red Devil, saw two efforts cleared away in stoppage time.

Marouane Fellaini headed in Ander Herrera's left-wing cross to give the hosts the lead after 21 minutes but Stephen N'Zonzi fired in from the edge of the area to level with the Potters' first shot on goal six minutes before the break.

Juan Mata restored the lead when his free kick from the right drifted across goal and in at the far post, though Marcos Rojo, who was offside, claimed in vain that he got the faintest of touches.

Youngster James Wilson had a golden chance to wrap up the victory with 20 minutes left but curled an effort wide after bursting into the box with a run from just inside the Stoke half.

And United were almost made to pay in added time through Diouf's far post header, only for David De Gea to make a trademark reaction save.

Seconds later the Potters went close again but Ashley Young cleared Diouf's effort off the line.