MX23RW : Monday, November 25 11:07:28| >> :120:51184:51184:

Sunderland on brink of Premier League survival with shock Manchester United win

Sunderland ensure their Premier League survival with a 1-0 victory away at Manchester United.

Sunderland have all but confirmed their Premier League safety with a shock 1-0 win away at Manchester United this afternoon.

Ashley Young - who started on the right wing - had the first chance of the afternoon, but he sent his volley straight into the hands of Vito Mannone.

Ryan Giggs the Manchester United interim manager looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on May 3, 2014© Getty Images

At the other end, Adam Johnson stepped inside from the right flank and sent a low shot marginally wide of the far post.

United almost took the lead in the 18th minute when John O'Shea sliced a cross just wide, before Nani flashed a 20-yard effort over the bar and Patrice Evra bundled a header towards goal that was held comfortably by Mannone.

The home side pinned Sunderland inside their own half for the majority of the first half, but after 30 minutes, the visitors took the lead.

Sebastian Larsson of Sunderland is congratulated by teammates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on May 3, 2014© Getty Images

Recently-crowned Premier League Player of the Month Connor Wickham whipped a cross into the penalty area, where Sebastian Larsson arrived to sweep home a volley into the far corner and put Sunderland ahead.

On the stroke of half time, Juan Mata drilled a low shot towards goal from 25 yards, but Mannone dived to his left and held on to the effort.

Shortly after the break, Nani released Evra with a backheel and Javier Hernandez looked ready to pounce from six yards, but Wes Brown made a good, diving block to deny the Mexican. From the resulting corner, Nemanja Vidic headed wide from close range amid appeals for handball against Jack Colback.

In the 63rd minute, Phil Jones, Vidic and Hernandez all came close to netting for United in a goalmouth scramble, before Emanuele Giaccherini struck the post with a half-volley from Jozy Altidore's cross from the right wing.

With 10 minutes remaining, Hernandez blazed an effort over the bar, while at the other end Sunderland struck the woodwork for the third time as Fabio Borini saw his curling effort cannon off the underside of the bar.

The result - combined with Cardiff City's 3-0 loss and Stoke City's 4-1 win over Fulham - means that Norwich City must pick up at least four points from their remaining two games, while hoping the Black Cats lose their final two matches.

ID:153185: cacheID:153185:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:6408:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Ryan Giggs the Manchester United interim manager looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on May 3, 2014
Read Next:
Half-Time Report: Larsson gives Sunderland shock lead
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!