Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Javier Hernandez's late winner in the 2-1 victory at Stoke could prove vital when the points are collated at the end of the season. Ferguson's teams have made a habit of striking late on throughout his long reign and he admitted that he feared the worst when Tuncay Sanli drew Tony Pulis' side level.
Ferguson said: "When their goal went in you start to say to yourself it is going to be one of those seasons, but Chicharito came up with the winner.
"The supporters reaction was fantastic to the goal and our players reaction was fantastic. It is the kind of goal United score over the years.
"A late goal met by incredible enthusiasm by the fans. They knew it was an important one.
"Hopefully we can now kick on. We have some important games between now and Christmas time and we have to make our mark in the league now."
Ferguson has been in charge of United for 24 years but can rarely have been in charge through a more turbulent week.
He said: "It is always tough at United.
"There are always issues to deal with. When your top players come towards the end of their contracts you have to do something to get them a new one.
"They are all the same. You have to deal with agents of this world today, which is difficult.
"The players are no problem. There is no problem with players. Some agents are difficult."
