Fergie pleased despite dour display

Sir Alex Ferguson shrugged off criticism of a lacklustre performance by Manchester United, saying he was happy as long as they were winning.

The Red Devils beat Stoke 2-1 at Old Trafford on Tuesday but were made to work hard for the win by their mid-table opposition.

But Ferguson scoffed at criticism the league leaders should be playing a more attractive brand of football.

“We are an easy target for that kind of thing,” Ferguson told Sky Sports.

“But we just have to dismiss it and concentrate on our ambitions and that is to win the league.”

Young Mexican Javier Hernandez got his name on the scoresheet with an audacious back-heel in the first half, while Nani scored the winner after Dean Whitehead had levelled for Stoke just after half-time.

Star striker Wayne Rooney was rested as he recovers from an ankle injury but is expected to be available for United’s FA Cup tie against Liverpool on Sunday.

But with Hernandez and Berbatov both in good form, it creates a selection headache for Ferguson.

“Of course it gives me a problem when Wayne is fit,” said Ferguson.

“But that is the kind of problem you want. Over the years, the strikers I have had have always given me that problem.”

“That is Chico’s (Hernandez) job. And as long as he keeps putting the ball in the net, he is giving me those problems.”