Hargreaves the Hero speaks! (AUDIO)

Interview Length: 2 Min 35 Sec

To listen to Owen Hargreaves post-match interview CLICK HERE

Recent performances from Owen Hargreaves have shown encouragement for Manchester United fans without question.

The England midfielder was a much sought after purchase for Fergie, the root cause probably stemming from his magnificent performance in the 2006 World Cup against Portugal.

But it's been a stop-start season for the 27 year-old with a lack of fitness at the start of the campaign followed up by various injuries allowing Michael Carrick to stamp his mark on that coveted holding role in United's midfield.

However, his last match out versus Roma at right-back was applauded by his own fans, culminating in that great cross for Carlos Tevez to seal victory over the Italians in midweek.

This match, however, was a different story. The Canadian-born man started alongside Carrick in midfield but United had not played to their full potential and early on in the second half found themselves behind thanks to Emmanuel Adebayor's controversial goal. It was only for a few minutes before Hargreaves made the first of his two most vital contributions so far for United.

First, his ball into the box was handled by William Gallas, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to bag his 38th goal of the season from the spot.

And following some more scares for the home side, Hargreaves stepped up to offer his most important moment in a Man Utd shirt so far. A free kick won by Patrice Evra saw the ex-Bayern Munich star curl home a cracker. He'd already exhibited his ability with a stunning free-kick versus Fulham at Craven Cottage which claimed his first goal for the club and this was even better. It was inch perfect just inside the post and left Jens Lehmann stranded.

It meant the fate of the Premier League title remained in Manchester United's hands and left Arsenal to contemplate what could have been.

The joy on the midfielder's face was plain for all to see, and the relief experienced at Old Trafford when the situation looked bad just 20 minutes earlier, was more than evident.

Speaking after the match, Hargreaves paid tribute to his team-mates for the character they showed, albeit it was he who seemed to keep his head cool when others may have lost theirs.