Dimitar Berbatov admitted the introduction of Ryan Giggs proved pivotal in Manchester United jumping into the Barclays Premier League’s top spot.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were always on top at Stoke, but they were struggling to make the breakthrough until Giggs came off the bench in the second half to set up goals for Berbatov and John O’Shea in a 2-0 victory at the Britannia Stadium.

“The game changed when Ryan came on,” said Berbatov.

“You can see because of the number of years he has been able to play for Manchester United how much he helps by being on the pitch.

”He makes the right decisions.

“That is what got us the three points.”