For the second straight Manchester United were poor, but they at least managed to get a point in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland. The Black Cats will likely be disappointed with the result, feeling they could've earn full points, but after falling behind early, the comeback draw will just have to do.
Sunderland vs. Manchester United: Final score 1-1, Black Cats play United to a draw
United were again poor as the Black Cats recovered from an early deficit to earn a point at home.
If United fans were hoping for a positive response from their team after last week's loss, the opening minutes of Sunday's match was not what they wanted to see. Ashley Young gave up an early chance after a sloppy errant pass allowed Sunderland to break on goal. While the defense was able to clean-up the mess, it set the tone for things early as United looked sloppy and unsure on themselves in the defense.
Of course it was that United scored the first goal from nothing in the 17th minute. Antonio Valencia's cross from the right wing took a deflection as it moved across the Sunderland box, redirecting right to Juan Mata who'd snuck in unmarked at the far post. Mata was more than happy to tap the ball into the net, giving United a 1-0 lead.
Jack Rodwell brought Sunderland back even a 1-1 in the 30th minute thanks to some poor marking by United on a corner kick. Seb Larsson's outswinger found Rodwell unmarked four-yards from goal as he towered over everyone and powered a header into the lower right corner past David de Gea.
United felt they’d won a penalty in the 62nd minute when Ashley Young went down on the left side of the box. The referee felt differently, giving Young a yellow card for diving. Your opinion on the play will likely be affected by your rooting interest, but what was clear is that there was no foul. As for a dive, probably not much of one either.
Vito Mannone shut down a United attack in the 78th minute when an ambitious and extremely well time tackle to dispossess Ashley Young. Danny Welbeck had found Young with a cross field pass that caught the Sunderland defense over shifted to their left. Mannone sprinted out of the box and executed a perfect sliding tackle to take the ball away from Young and shut down the play.
Sunderland: Mannone, Vergini, van Aanholt, Brown, O’Shea, Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell (Gómez 64’), Buckley (Bridcutt 79’), Wickham, S. Fletcher (Altidore 77’)
Goals: Mata (17’)
Manchester United: De Gea, Jones, Smalling (Keane 44’), Blackett, Valencia, Cleverley, D. Fletcher (Januzaj 63’), Mata, Young, Rooney, van Persie (Welbeck 63’)
Goals: Rodwell (30’)
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