Nani’s expertly hit drive just before the half hour kept alive Manchester United’s slim hopes of retaining the Premier League. Sunderland at the Stadium of Light were formidable opponents with one of the best home records in the league, but United were able to overcome a physical battle on the pitch and the psychological blow of the most unprofessional of surrenders up the M62 to push the most unpredictable top of the table merry go round in modern memory right the way to the last game.

Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a 4-4-2 with Antonio Valencia absent – Wayne Rooney was deemed fit but Rio Ferdinand had to settle for a place on the bench as the team who had won three titles in a row had to rouse themselves after Liverpool predictably raised the white flag to Chelsea earlier in the day.

That scoreline led to a pretty subdued opening to the game, both in atmosphere and performance. Gradually, though, both improved – the travelling faithful, though severely restricted in number, definitely made their presence felt in volume after the Red Devils had a couple of opportunities in the 4th minute. Dimitar Berbatov was selected alongside Rooney and the Bulgarian played in his strike partner. Rooney’s shot was parried by Craig Gordon and Ryan Giggs’ attempt on the rebound was quickly blocked by ex-United defender Phil Bardsley.

Sunderland’s response and approach was spirited but lacking in conviction – a free kick after quarter of an hour was headed over by Cana, before midway through the first half Patrice Evra surged from defence to feed Giggs. Giggs’ movement inside was good and his shot beat Gordon all ends up but not the frame of the goal, as the angle denied him. Steed Malbranque then responded with a 20 yarder of his own and this was on target for the home team, but Edwin van der Sar made a marvellous save at full stretch. Four minutes later, Ferguson’s men got the breakthrough, and unlike their title rivals, it took a moment of real magic to achieve it rather than have it handed to them. Rooney and Giggs have had wonderful seasons, Rooney for his goal tally and Giggs for his truckload of assists, and both were involved in most that was good about United’s impressive movement at times. They combined with Berbatov and Fletcher, with the Scot laying the ball off short. Nani was on hand to lash the ball home, a goal that was impressive on first viewing but even more so on the replay.

The first half from then on was comfortable – it wasn’t until injury time that either goal was really threatened again. First Giggs and Rooney combined well to play in Evra, whose shot was saved comfortably by Gordon, and then Nani did well to find Rooney before being flattened by substitute Lee Cattermole. Steve Bennett played advantage, Rooney rolled the ball to Berbatov but his finish was symbolic of his recent form, wide and not so handsome.

United proceeded to miss a whole host of chances in the second half – with Berbatov the main culprit, but not the first. Fletcher’s clever backheel created some space for Nani, who ran through but seemed in two minds whether to shoot or cross and paid for that indecision as Gordon dealt with it.

Berbatov then strode into an unwanted spotlight – Rooney and Giggs again combining to create two gilt edged chances for United’s record signing within the space of 5 minutes. First Giggs did well and played in Rooney – Berbatov connected with the ball with the goal at his mercy and somehow put it over when it seemed easier to keep it down. Then, Rooney showed impressive strength in his hold up play in the area to create space for Giggs, and the Welsh veteran’s cross was headed onto the back of a defender and over by Berbatov – this chance slightly less wasteful but still, he should have done better.

There could be no questioning Sunderland’s aggressive commitment to the cause with Malbranque and Cattermole at their tenacious best – Ferguson, with perhaps the result and taking Berbatov out of his misery in mind, brought off the forward for Michael Carrick. It was a decision that almost paid instant dividends – the new shape freed Fletcher, he made a move central and tried an effort from 25 yards. That was blocked, but screwed to Rooney who half volleyed with stinging power narrowly wide.

It was Michael Carrick who had the best chance of extending the lead after this point. There were 13 minutes left when Rooney was played through, but saw his chance snuffed out by the onrushing Gordon. The Scottish keeper couldn’t do enough to smother the ball and it squirmed wide to Nani – with the stopper out of his goal, Nani cleverly played it across to Carrick but the ex-Spurs midfielder’s shot was not particularly strong and was cleared off the line.

Sunderland’s closest effort of an equaliser came in the 82nd minute. Steed Malbranque had just performed a studs up challenge on Jonny Evans, but was only booked, and his cross for former Red Frazier Campbell was met by an acrobatic effort that went wide.

Fergie’s thoughts were turning to consolidation and Rio Ferdinand came on in defensive midfield, with the manager probably mindful of the particularly hard tackling of the Black Cats. Owen Hargreaves did make a long awaited return to first team action with seconds remaining, his only touch being United’s last of the game.

United’s result may after all is said and done seem pretty insignificant after Chelsea had cantered to victory, literally gift wrapped, at Anfield. The nature of that result – which included the only time Steven Gerrard will assist a goal that (probably) decides the title – illustrated the shambles of Liverpool Football Club which once stood for something. Had their opponents been Manchester United today you could guarantee a transformed performance and even a different team selection, but Rafael Benitez confirmed fears he would approach the game with all the lack of integrity and professionalism he has shown throughout his spell in England.

The damage to United will be a temporary though admittedly significant setback but the repercussions for Liverpool are likely to be far more severe – it was always on the cards that a huge upheaval in the managerial area would be taking place over the summer but their tummy-tickling surrender of any hope of 4th place could spark a dark period of turmoil for our once proud rivals – this year marks their 20th season without the league trophy and their refusal to take the league with any respect has guaranteed they won’t be playing Champions League football. Few would bet, in those conditions, that Anfield will be housing a league championship winning team in the next decade at least. It would be just reward for their blatant lack of professionalism and also one in the eye for Liverpool supporting Mike Dean whose own contribution to the title race has been inherently corrupt.

For now, though, Manchester United are still in the hunt to be Premier League Champions for the fourth time in succession. They may still be depending on other teams to do them a favour but it’s a sorry state of affairs when football fans across the country can honestly say Wigan Athletic will put up a more convincing effort than Liverpool.

Beyond that, and taking a closer examination of the players in this match, Berbatov cut a forlorn figure as confidence had completely deserted him. A confident or at least clinical striker would have bagged a hat-trick with the chances presented to him. The forward has often been referred to kindly as languid and harshly as a poor excuse for Cantona, but in recent weeks it has been that fundamental lack of ruthlessness that, for example, a van Nistelrooy would bring. The short term solution would suggest the smart money all being chucked on a Karim Benzema shaped replacement while Federico Macheda learns his trade. Unfortunately for Berbatov, Macheda’s inexperience does not dissuade the vast majority of fans wanting to see the young Italian in the here and now. The sympathy is clear because Berbatov so clearly wants to succeed and United fans are by and large as patient as it gets – just as Diego Forlan. The problem for Bulgaria’s record goalgetter is that he has been afforded the patience yet does himself no favours by going missing when the chips are down – that’s the kind of attitude that is welcomed on Merseyside but will find short shrift at Old Trafford.

Ratings : van der Sar 7, O’Shea 6, Evans 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7, Nani 7 (Hargreaves), Scholes 8, Fletcher 7 (Ferdinand), *Giggs 8, Berbatov 5 (Carrick 5), Rooney 8

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Abysmal, lacklustre but very very lucky – Manchester United salvaged an injury time draw against a Sunderland side that had completely dominated and outplayed them at Old Trafford.

A selection that excluded the injured Michael Owen and the rested Ryan Giggs was always likely to be struggling to find a plan B – no strikers on the bench, and an odd midfield that featured Welbeck out wide meant that it was plan A or bust for the Premier League Champions. On the first half evidence it was truly “bust”, as Sunderland’s energetic midfield thoroughly outran their opponents. The early exchanges were dominated by the visitors and on 7 minutes they were rewarded with a 20 yard strike from in-form Darren Bent.

The Black Cats sat back for a while, expecting a response that simply was not forthcoming from either the players or the subdued Old Trafford spectators. After an initial tentative period Sunderland began to realise that United did not have an answer and began to play with a freedom and cleverness rarely seen by visitors to this venue and rarely afforded by the hosts.

Without a shot of note in that first period the only chance United fashioned was a penalty appeal – the ball did appear to be handled quite clearly by Andy Reid and although the decision itself may have been clear a leveller would have been totally against the run of play.

The famed “Fergie hairdryer” would surely have been rampaging at half time and it seemed to have little impact – the Red Devils were hardly rampaging themselves. Anderson had been introduced for Paul Scholes after the United legend had picked up a booking, but it was hardly a surprise. When Nani’s inconsistent delivery is the actual highlight of a midfield you know United needed something extra.

An equaliser did arrive when O’Shea’s cross was sensationally, and acrobatically, volleyed in by Berbatov. Anonymous before, the Bulgarian suddenly began to look lively and sprightly.

Unfortunately for United Sunderland were not about to lay down and settle, and scored just 6 minutes later when Andy Reid chipped a ball into the box that seemed bread and butter for the United keeper Ben Foster. However Nemanja Vidic was found wanting in his marking of Kenwyne Jones and Foster was found wanting in his attempt to collect. Jones converted to restore the lead for Sunderland and Ben Foster was left to contemplate whether this was one mistake too many. There is no doubting his ability but whether he can actually cut it on the very top level now seems very doubtful.

This is a question being asked of some of United’s younger outfield players and with no Giggs, Owen or even Macheda to turn to it was Antonio Valencia and the in-form Michael Carrick that came on for Welbeck and Fletcher. That Welbeck was favoured to start over Valencia wasn’t exactly encouraging but neither was the Ecuadorian’s display when he came on, though having said that Fergie’s last throw of the dice didn’t exactly seem to encourage the rest of the side.

Despite always staying brave with keeping 2 strikers on Sunderland appeared to try and protect their win with around ten minutes left and even this didn’t spark United into life. The Black Cats almost got a deserved third to kill the game when youngster Henderson absolutely destroyed Evra for pace and saw his excellent ball diverted away in the nick of time by Carrick with Jones loitering with intent. However with 5 minutes remaining former United player Keiran Richardson was given a second yellow for kicking the ball away and the change in shape finally shook a response from the home team.

The visiting staff and supporters waited with baited breath to see the consequences the time wasting of their keeper and Richardson’s crawl off the pitch had contributed to the added time – 4 minutes seemed a fair amount. In the third of those minutes fate struck a cruel blow for Sunderland as Evra’s hopeful swing of the boot seemed to send the ball wide until Anton Ferdinand stuck out a leg and diverted into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.

United, buoyed by this, then poured forward and bizarrely almost won the game with a flurry of corners. However it came to no avail and it was just a completely undeserved point rather than a criminal snatching of the whole three that United had stolen from the game. With Chelsea and Liverpool due to face off against each other this was a valuable chance to put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.

The only positive to take from the game was the resilience of the side though it’s hard to class this as a good thing when United didn’t even turn up for 85 minutes. Sir Alex may have publicly lamented the fitness of referee Alan Wiley and what he felt were two good penalty claims but privately he must consider his own decision to completely rest an in-form Giggs that the team seem to be reliant on.

Ratings : Foster 5, O’Shea 6, Evans 6, Vidic 5, Evra 6, Nani 6, Scholes 5 (Anderson 6), Fletcher 5 (Carrick), Welbeck 5 (Valencia), Rooney 6, *Berbatov 6.

Source: (Yolkie)

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Sunderland have completed the signing of Manchester United forward Fraizer Campbell for a fee believed to be in the range of £3.5Million – with the potential fee rising to £6Million dependent on the players success in the North East. Campbell spent a season long loan at Tottenham Hotspur where he scored three goals for the North London club. Campbell played in the 1-1 draw on the opening day of last season against Newcastle United for United due to a lack of striking options.

The question may be asked why United didn’t cash in on their young striker last August when Hull City made a £7Million bid for the striker – which has resulted in a £3.5Million drop for a player who spent a season on loan away from Old Trafford and doubled his United total career appearances from one to two. Campbell was billed as an exciting prospect who could hopefully progress on from his his impressive 15 goal tally for Hull City in 2007/08 – when he spent a season loan with the Championship club.

Campbell on his move to Sunderland:

“Sunderland are an ambitious club who are going to go forward with the financial backing they have here. I know they are looking to bring in quality alongside some very good existing players. I would have liked to have played more last season, but every experience is a learning experience. I want to take what I learned at Spurs last year and apply it during the next four years [at Sunderland].”

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce on the signing:

“We’re delighted to have signed such a promising young footballer. We’re very pleased he’s chosen to join Sunderland. Fraizer’s already shown what a fantastic talent he is, but we hope this move will take him to another level. We need quality and competition right across the pitch and he’s the type of player who can really excite our fans.”

So are United right to cash in on a player who will probably once again find his chances limited at Old Trafford? Could Campbell have forged a partnership with Rooney ahead of Macheda and Welbeck? Lastly, the £3.5Million fee – too much or too little for Campbell?

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Federico Macheda gave the travelling fans a thrilling sequel to his Old Trafford heroics by scoring a crucial winner to rescue Manchester United – going one better and scoring with his first touch after coming on for club record signing Dimitar Berbatov.

United put their followers through the wringer yet again but this moment from the young Italian was confirmation of his ability and perhaps more importantly, given the path of the season so far, his momentum.

The first half saw a compelling contrast between the two sides when in possession – the Red Devils showing a composed, cultured and comfortable approach and the Black Cats’ whipping their support with frenzied attacks. Sir Alex Ferguson had made another team selection that prompted many scratched heads – with O’Shea and Neville in both full back positions, Park and Scholes still in the side, and Wayne Rooney operating from the left while Cristiano Ronaldo warmed the bench.

Unsurprisingly, as these things go, Wayne Rooney defied expectation by being the main creative outlet for United – first almost scoring with 15 seconds on the clock and then with around 16 minutes gone, turning provider by knocking the perfect ball into the box. Paul Scholes was there to meet it with a lovely header reminiscent of those he scored during a spell for England and United in the autumn of 1997, to give fans worried about his recent form (including this writer and website!) a timely reminder that he could provide a classy contribution.



Indeed, Scholes and Carrick’s ability to keep and move the ball was a feature of the Champions’ play – but the hosts were not about to lie down and helped to provide a pulsating first half with a shoot on sight policy that saw them come close on a number of occasions, hitting the post – while United had an attempt of their own cleared off the line.

Sunderland started the second half just as ferociously and after surving a scare caused by a stunning Rooney bending effort, they deservedly drew level after Park was easily skinned and Foster flapped at a cross, Kenywne Jones stretching to stab home.



In response, Scholes shot narrowly wide, and Tevez couldn’t convert a move that had intricately weaved on the edge of the Mackem’s box. With a quarter of the game remaining Ferguson finally brought Cristiano Ronaldo on in response for the not only ineffectual but also increasing liability Park.

And with 15 minutes left Fergie took what surely was a championship gamble – replacing £30m record signing with 17 year old kid Macheda. It was quite a statement to make even if it was later apparent that Berbatov was suffering badly enough to require treatment.

Would the substitution prove to be inspired or a desperate last throw of the dice, almost an admission of surrendering the title? There was hardly time to form your own opinion – within the same minute we had our answer, as Macheda swung a hopeful, opportunistic, but meaningful, and ultimately fateful boot in the direction of a wayward Michael Carrick shot – the ball unbelievably nestled in the corner of the net to restore the advantage for United, and ultimately prove to be the winner.

Sunderland played their part in the nervous closing stages but United – who brought on the returning Anderson to shore up things – were rarely seriously threatened from that point.

Cynics will say United got out of jail again following a bad initial selection from Sir Alex and they may have a point, but this latest fateful interjection from Macheda may just make the gaffer realise that the youngster has the confidence, ability – and, crucially, as mentioned before, the momentum, to play a more prominent part in the Champions’ run in.

And with Porto next in a seemingly impossible task, it could be such a player who continues to write such a stunning story in a potentially record breaking season.

Source: (Yolkie)

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Managerless and rudderless Sunderland defended with ultimate resilience but Nemanja Vidic’s last gasp strike secured a vital goal for the Champions.

It had been a frustrating afternoon for Manchester United as the Black Cats, instilled with steely desire after their turbulent week which saw ex-Reds legend Roy Keane depart the managerial hotseat, set up their side with only a point in mind – illustrated by their lack of any attempts at all on goal.

The 23 shots that the home side mustered meant that they just about deserved the win, but a question mark or two was raised over Sir Alex Ferguson’s selection. Sticking with the same eleven that won well at neighbours City last week may not on its own have been a surprise, but after the stellar performances of Tevez, Anderson and Giggs in midweek the trio may have felt their inclusion was merited.

As it was, the visitors two banks of five in front of the keeper restricted United to few clear cut opportunities – a Berbatov effort, a Rooney drive from a Ronaldo free kick and a Park scuffed shot from a Rooney pass were the best chances of the opening half. And after the interval, it took a while for United to get back into the swing of it. Fletcher and Park showed plenty of effort but nothing in creativity – the talents of Rooney, Ronaldo and Berbatov were ineffective, leaving the brilliant Carrick to occasionally excel but all too often find his own range limited.

Changes were made after an injury to Ronaldo to see the trio that performed so admirably in the Carling Cup introduced – and almost immediately they made an impact, Giggs screwing a volley wide, then cleverly finding Anderson whose shot was blocked with the goal gaping, then the Welshman found Vidic who headed straight at the stand in keeper Fulop.

Carrick and Rooney had chances before Berbatov found himself with lots of room, but could only head over.

It seemed as if United were heading to a frustrating goalless draw but with exactly 90 minutes on the clock, Vidic reacted quicker than anyone to a deflected Carrick drive that hit the post and rebounded, to convert and ensure the champions stayed in touch with their rivals.

Source:(Yolkie)

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