Indeed, Wayne Rooney helped himself to a headed goal in the dying minutes as his team laboured to a 2-1 victory against the Potters.
The win marked an eventful week for the striker, who celebrated his 28th birthday in low-key fashion on Wednesday with a family dinner.
Party time: Wayne Rooney makes his way into
Manchester restaurant Lounge Ten with wife Coleen on Saturday evening,
hours after inspiring his team to a 2-1 win against Stoke City at Old
Trafford
But with the weekend off to a flyer, wife Coleen rounded off his birthday celebrations by treating him to a night out at Manchester restaurant Lounge Ten, where he was treated to some close-to-the-knuckle comedy courtesy of Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown.
Wayne looked smart in a black roll-neck sweater and matching jeans as he followed Coleen inside the popular eatery on Saturday evening.
The England ace continued a distinctly neutral theme with a black velvet blazer, while his cosmetically enhanced hair was casually swept to the side.
Stepping out: Coleen appears to be in high spirits as she leads Wayne inside the popular eatery
No flannel: Wayne carries a bag from fashion boutique Flannels as he makes his way inside Lounge Ten with his wife
Here we go: Wayne and Coleen make their way inside, where they rounded off the striker's 28th birthday celebrations
Despite his birthday coming on Wednesday, Wayne appeared to have been treated to an additional gift from fashion chain Flannels, and he boldly carried a bag from the Cheshire based boutique as he sauntered behind his wife.
Coleen also looked stylish in a classic little black dress that revealed a pair of bronzed legs, while black heels with embellished detail gave the look a conventional but no less elegant flourish.
Their appearance was in stark contrast to the very relaxed demeanour they adopted earlier in the week during a night out at Wings restaurant, also in Manchester.
Low-key: Wayne and Coleen dressed down for a night out at Wings restaurant with young sons Kai and Klay on Wednesday evening
The striker was joined on the night by England teammate Joe Hart and United legend Ryan Giggs for an understated celebration in honour of his 28th birthday.
Accompanied by Coleen and their two young sons, Kai and Klay, Wayne looked casual in a puffa jacket, jeans and trainers.
Professionally the player is enjoying a rich vein of form, but his team are currently struggling to gain momentum under new boss David Moyes.
Goal heroes: Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie
kept Manchester United's title dreams alive with a 2-1 win against Stoke
City at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon
