A narrow 1-0 win against Stoke City won’t send shockwaves around the globe, but the three points gained by the world champions on their return to Premier League action was all that mattered.Carlos Tevez was the savour of the day after he popped up in the 83rd minute with his second top flight strike of the season.

The plucky Argentine’s shot gave the Reds the win that their stuttering display only just deserved.Yet again, the newly goal shy United team struggled to break down a vastly inferior side, whilst flashpoints surrounded Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo after the pair lashed out in frustration as the Potters threatened to hold them to a crippling draw.

The elbow from Rooney and the kick from Ronaldo were only minor infractions, but they show the irritation caused by the club’s return of only three goals in their last five Premier League matches. This is a far cry from the swashbuckling charge to domestic and European success enjoyed in the last campaign.

Whilst jet lag may have played a large role in the impotent showing against the Midlanders, this excuse won’t stand on Monday evening if Middlesbrough aren’t crushed at Old Trafford.Gareth Southgate’s team have been lambs to the slaughter in recent weeks as they slide towards the relegation zone. Such opposition should provide the Red Devils with the opposition to re-discover the spark that ignited 2008 in a blaze of glory.