(CNN) -- Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the English Premier League to three points with a 2-1 win over Stoke at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Javier Hernandez put United ahead midway through the first half before Dean Whitehead leveled for Stoke just after the break.
Nani, back after injury, scored United's winner just after the hour mark after he exchanged passes with Hernandez.
It was a valuable victory for a much-changed United side, who are on 44 points after 20 games, three clear of city rivals Manchester City, who have played a game more.
City play third-placed Arsenal in a vital match in the title race on Wednesday.
United, missing the injured Wayne Rooney and rested Rio Ferdinand, went ahead in the 27th minute as Nani whipped in a cross which Mexican international Hernandez backheeled home in impudent style for his ninth of the season.
Hernandez almost added a second when he was quick to react to Nani's headed cross, only for Robert Huth to deflect the ball wide.
But Stoke equalized five minutes into the second half as Turkish international Tuncay crossed for Whitehead to head home.
United reacted with a flourish and Nani netted with a powerful shot to secure the three points, making it 19 out of a possible 21 for Alex Ferguson's unbeaten team.
In other Premier League action, Fulham thumped West Bromwich Albion 3-0 to move out of the relegation zone.
Birmingham are also out of the bottom three after winning 2-1 at Blackpool. CNN
