Manchester United manager David Moyes has criticised the officials after his side were beaten 2-1 by Sunderland in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final at the Stadium of Light.

The loss marked United's third consecutive reverse, and the Scot claimed that his side are having to compete with the referees as well as their opponents of late.

He told reporters: "We're having to play the opposition and the officials at the moment. Maybe I've got to understand, that's what happens at Manchester United.

"The fans have probably never seen it as bad as this for a long time.

"Is [former manager] Sir Alex Ferguson being at games a problem? Not at all, I can only see Alex as a great sounding board. So is Bobby Charlton."

The defeat marked the first time United have lost three straight games for 13 years.