Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his side against conceding early goals in future matches this season.

An own goal from Wayne Rooney saw the Red Devils go down 1-0 after just 11 minutes against Stoke City at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.

However, a Rooney double and one goal each from Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck saw United eventually win the clash 4-2.

"We keep starting badly in games, in the first 20 minutes," Ferguson told MUTV. "We conceded an early goal against Fulham, an early goal against Tottenham, an early goal today - we're giving ourselves uphill fights.

"But there's a goal threat about us, that has to be said, and some of the movement from the forwards was excellent.

"You don't want it to happen (going behind) but the forwards are digging us out of a hole at times. Hopefully we'll get it sorted."

United are currently second in the Premier League table with 18 points from eight matches, four points behind leaders Chelsea.