Sir Alex Ferguson has already pinpointed the Manchester derby in April as the cornerstone of his team's current attempt to regain their Premier League title.

A 2-0 victory over Stoke, courtesy of penalties from Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov, coupled with leaders Manchester City losing at Everton, helped United draw level on points, and within six goals of their rivals, at the top of the table.

In a campaign that has already produced so many twists and turns, the latest development merely adds to the intriguing plot.