It was just one goal in a 4-0 rout of Wigan at Old Trafford, but this one fittingly marked the occasion and gave United the breakthrough they were struggling to get against a stubborn Wigan back line.
The 37-year-old pounced after Latics goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi could only push a Nani cross into his path and United went on to cruise to victory thanks to further goals from Hernandez, Alexander Buttner and Nick Powell.
Ferguson was quick to pay tribute to the former England star, who came out of retirement in January.
He told reporters: “That is what we always remember about Paul, the way he ghosts into the penalty box.
“Obviously as he has got older, he has not been able to do that. He doesn’t need to do that now because we prefer him to play central midfield.”