Federico Macheda was the hero for Manchester United for the second weekend in succession as he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory at Sunderland to return his side to the top of the Premier League.
Having proved the match winner in last Sunday's late comeback against Aston Villa, Macheda deflected United's second goal just moments after his introduction at the Stadium of Light to secure the points after Kenwyne Jones had cancelled out Paul Scholes' opener.
Ahead of Saturday's trip to Wearside, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson refuted that his side were cracking up following one win in four games in all competitions, while he also fired another broadside in the direction of Liverpool counterpart Rafa Benitez, who had suggested United were showing fear in the title race.
And the Scot will have been delighted to see his defending champions ensure his claims did not come back to haunt as they took the lead in the 19th minute when Scholes converted a cross from the excellent Wayne Rooney.
But 10 minutes after the half-time interval, Sunderland - who are now in increasing relegation danger - were level as Jones poked in following a scramble at the far post.
United brought on surprise substitute Cristiano Ronaldo in response, but it was Macheda who was the star as he deflected a Michael Carrick effort to move United back above Liverpool at the summit.
Sir Alex Ferguson's troops will now regroup ahead of their testing UEFA Champions League quarter-final, second leg trip to Porto on Wednesday evening knowing they remain a point clear of Liverpool with a game in hand in the race for the title.
By contrast, Sunderland face a monumental home clash with fellow strugglers Hull City at the Stadium of Light next weekend with their top-flight status very much in the balance.
Highlight:
Sunderland v Manchester United
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