But once Samuel Eto'o scored at Edwin van der Sar's near post in the 10th minute after escaping Nemanja Vidic, the credits were rolling on their bid to add the Champions League to the Premier League for the second successive season.
Stoke dug in and a trademark long throw from Rory Delap was headed towards his own goal by John O'Shea, only for Edwin van der Saar to claw the goalbound ball to safety.
Martin O'Neill's men looked vibrant after the re-start and Van der Sar was forced to concede a corner with Ashley Young's intended cross heading towards the top corner.