Soccer Central

It was looking as though Sunderland was about to secure a huge away point at Old Trafford today, Nemanja Vidic had other ideas however, and his 91st minute goal gave Manchester United the victory they so richly deserved.

Sunderland did not play pretty football; it was all men behind the ball right from the off, and always this Sunderland side were just looking to defend for their lives, and perhaps to grab a goal on the break. Ronaldo walked off the field in the 65th minute, unable to continue through injury he went straight for the tunnel, and with no break in play for a further three minutes Manchester United were briefly reduced to ten men. Giggs came on in his place, and at the same time Darren Fletcher was also replaced by Anderson.

Dimitar Berbatov had a couple of decent chances throughout the game; the best of which a clean header he nodded over the bar. The Manchester United breakthrough finally came in the 91st minute however as Carrick’s shot took a huge deflection onto the post, and the rebound came right out into the path of Vidic for him to coolly slam it home, and provide Manchester United with the full three points from the game.

Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal had all won earlier in the day and a victory was therefore required for United here at Old Trafford. The team left it late, they got the win they needed however, and although they still trail the two leading teams of Liverpool and Chelsea; this late goal could prove vital come the end of the season.

So Manchester United got the victory they deserved today at Old Trafford, caretaker manager Ricky Sbragia nearly did enough to win a point for the Black Cats, but ultimately it was Manchester United who triumphed as a characteristic late goal was scored. Sunderland remain in 18th position in the league with their next game a home match against bottom side West Brom.