STOKE: Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Ryan Giggs after the Welshman inspired Manchester United to a 2-0 victory over Stoke City which sent United to the Premier League summit for the first time this season.

United manager Ferguson believes the midfielder will play a crucial role in the champions' attempt to retain the English title this season after another decisive display in Saturday's win at the Britannia Stadium. It was United's seventh straight victory in all competitions.

Giggs has 11 Premier League winner's medals in his collection. But the 35-year-old showed he is still sharp in body and mind as he produced a 20-minute period of mayhem after replacing Portuguese international Nani.

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