Match Report: Sunderland vs Manchester United - Premier Division 30/03/2013

Manchester United emerged as 1-0 winners in today’s early kick-off as a Titus Bramble deflected own goal off of a Robin Van Persie strike proved to be the deciding factors between the sides.

The match failed to take off, as uninspiring performances from both sides led to a rather drab affair. With few clear-cut chances at either end it was perhaps unsurprising that the only goal came from a deflected shot.

There was an early injury scare for United as commanding centre-back Vidic appeared to tweak his back and things nearly went from bad to worse as Sunderland failed to capitalise on a poor clearance from David de Gea.

Source: uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

As the half progressed United grew into the game, with Buttner and Young both creating half chances for themselves. However, it was in the 26^th minute when United struck. Robin Van Persie attacking down the left flank drove a shot low across the box, deflecting first off Phil Bardsley and finally off Titus Bramble, leaving Mignolet stranded.

Just after the half hour mark Ferguson was forced into a change as Rafael hobbled off to be replaced by Evans, pushing Smalling to right back but with the exception of two well saved United free kicks the remainder of the first half was largely uneventful.

Sunderland, knowing that a loss would see them dangerously close to the relegation zone, looked bright throughout much of the second half. Despite this they failed to look threatening in the final third, epitomised by their inability to test De Gea until the 90^th minute.

De Gea’s afternoon almost ended half an hour prior to this, as an accidental clash of heads with Vidic left the Spaniard needing medical attention for a number of minutes before being able to continue. Sunderland looked to exploit this, with a wicked cross from Johnson forcing a fantastic defensive header from Smalling as de Gea remained on his line.

However, as the game progressed United killed off the Sunderland threat, and almost scored again themselves, as Van Persie saw his shot saved by Mignolet just before referee Kevin Friend called time.

Not a classic match by any standard but United continue their defensive turnaround from the first half of the season and it seems unimaginable that Ferguson would let his team squander the 15-point lead going into the remaining eight games.

On the other hand Martin O’Neill has a tough task on his hands to ensure that Sunderland beat the drop. Second from bottom of the form table, an injury-hit Sunderland need to expand upon their second half performance today to maintain their Premiership status next season.