Carlos Tevez scored seven minutes from time to end 10-man Stoke's hopes of a point and keep United on the shoulders of Liverpool and Chelsea at the top of the table.

It was just the result United wanted as they are playing catch-up after winning the Club World Cup in Japan.

The squad arrived back on Monday, and club captain Neville told the BBC: "We are delighted with the win - it is a really important and significant win for us.

"While we were away in Japan our rivals did not pull away, so this result against Stoke is massive. It could be a vital victory in the context of the championship.

"It was hard work as we had to defend a lot of long balls. A lot of teams find it difficult here.

"But we were patient in our football - we do not get desperate - and our forwards are always likely to produce something and that's what happened."

United will have to manage without defender Rio Ferdinand on Monday against Middlesbrough as he will be sidelined for up to 10 days.

Ferdinand pulled up in the warm-up at Stoke with a back spasm and was replaced by Jonny Evans.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Evans is a fine prospect.

"Jonny is an outstanding player. We are fortunate to have such a talented boy to call on," said the United boss.

"At 20 he shows such maturity. He reads the game well, he uses the ball well and his pace is good. He has all the attributes of a top player."

United took advantage after Stoke were reduced in number when Andy Wilkinson was dismissed in the 72nd minute, having received two yellow cards.

Tevez scored from close range 11 minutes later after substitute Dimitar Berbatov crossed from the right of the six-yard box.

Ferguson said: "You start to worry a bit as the second half looked a bit of a stalemate. We had some chances in the first half.

"Then Dimitar showed great balance and turned the defender brilliantly before playing the ball across to Carlos to finish it off. We were delighted about that."

Wilkinson's dismissal cost Stoke dear. He went in hard on Cristiano Ronaldo and was rightly booked, and assistant manager Dave Kemp said: "It was not a smart thing to do, given he already had a card.

"It is hard enough to play against Manchester United with 11 men, never mind 10.

"I thought some of the bookings were unnecessary, though, as it was not a dirty game, just a good competitive game.

"To our credit we kept going and in my view we did well at both ends of the pitch."