United made it 20 games unbeaten after recording a 2-1 win over Stoke that moved them into a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Javier Hernandez's cheeky back-flick was followed by a superb curling strike from Nani to ensure Sir Alex Ferguson's men remain on course to equal Arsenal's amazing feat of 2004, when they went through an entire 38-match campaign without losing. It is not something Ferguson has spent much time thinking about. But it is starting to be discussed outside the confines of United's Carrington training complex. And Nani is not keen on relinquishing the record just yet. "I hope we can go the whole season unbeaten," he said. "We are in a great position. We have been doing so well. We have to keep working hard and doing the same things. Providing we stay together I feel we will finish the season with something very special." United's players would far rather collect the title than avoid losing, although naturally, the second part of that equation helps the first. Once again, Ferguson's men found a way of winning without performing to their capabilities, with Hernandez scoring his ninth goal of the season, and second in four days, to emphasise just what a valuable contribution he has made so far. "Javier has had a great start to his Manchester United career," said Nani. "He always scores at the right moment, when we need it. He has been a key player this season." United now have the luxury of five days off before a blockbuster FA Cup tie with old rivals Liverpool, after which they will face arguably their sternest test so far at Tottenham. It is handy therefore that Nani has returned following a hip problem that has restricted his ability to train and forced the Portugal star to miss three matches over the festive period. "It has been frustrating to miss the matches," he said. "I have had to watch them in my house, when sometimes things have not got right and I feel I could help. "But I feel OK now. I still need to train more but I am proud of my goal and hope to score more as the season goes on."
