Team Ratings: Sunderland vs Manchester United 07/01/2014

1. David De Gea - 6 - Made a couple of good saves, one to deny Larsson was particularly brilliant. Let down by his defenders for the goals.

2. Rafael - 4 - Made some silly challenges and was also booked needlessly for dissent. Needs to calm down and focus on playing, as he was poor positionally throughout.

6. Jonny Evans - 6 - Never looked confident really and was eventually taken off with a back injury.

15. Nemanja Vidic - 7 - Scored a header after looking dangerous throughout on set pieces. His goal could really help United to progress. Led by example.

3. Patrice Evra - 5 - Another average performance. Tried to get forward but it left him exposed.

25. Antonio Valencia - 5 - It seems a case of one step forward two steps back with Valencia. His crossing was awful and he never looked confident taking on Alonso.

23. Tom Cleverley - 4 - Put a good corner in for Vidic's goal but besides this was very poor. Never created anything and he made a silly challenge that although soft gave Johnson the opportunity to win the penalty.

16. Michael Carrick - 6 - Kept possession well and was certainly one of the better performers for United on the night.

11. Ryan Giggs - 6 - Looked dangerous, particurlarly in the first half, hitting the bar with a well struck drive. Was unfortunate to score an own goal. Faded as the game went on.

44. Adnan Januzaj - 8 - A different class. Constantly troubling the Sunderland defenders, he is definitely United's go-to guy for creativity in the absense of Rooney and RVP.

19. Danny Welbeck - 6 - His chances were limited throughout and although he worked hard he struggled to create anything of worth.

Substitutions-

12. Chris Smalling - 4 - Replaced Evans. Struggled against Altidore and was booked.
24. Darren Fletcher - 5 - Replaced Cleverley. Slotted into midfield easily but couldn't find the key pass.
14. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez - 6 - Replaced Valencia. Too little time to make an impact.

Match Report: Sunderland vs Manchester United 07/01/2014

Black Cats have one paw in the final as they edge the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.

Manchester United went into the first leg of this semi-final with one thing on their mind: victory. Having lost two games on the bounce including being knocked out of the FA Cup by Swansea, the red devils were desperate to prove their worth by taking control of this tie in order to make it easier to progress to the final at Wembley after the second leg at Old Trafford in just over two weeks' time.

Sunderland were keen to join a long list of teams that had finally managed to beat the Champions this season for the first time in many years. The Black Cats hadn't won a game against United since 2000 and a win in this home tie would make it six straight wins at The Stadium of Light in cup competitions this season, a welcome change from their Premier League form which has them in the relegation places sat at the bottom of the table.

United had a number of players unavailable from injury and suspension with Fabio suspended and Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Phil Jones, Nani, Ashley Young, Rio Ferdinand and Marouane Fellaini all sidelined with various problems. Gus Poyet's squad were missing Spaniard Carlos Cuellar and goalkeeper Kieran Westwood through hip and shoulder injuries respectively. However former United defenders Wes Brown, John O'shea and Phil Bardsley all started for the home club.

It was a first half of little opportunity early on as both sides struggled to get a decent foothold in the game, especially in the final third. It took 25 minutes for United to create a proper chance as Giggs ran at the defence and unleashed a powerful shot that struck the bar. It was good work from United's veteran midfielder and this started a good spell for the away side, although Giggs was next at fault as he was found half a yard offside when Januzaj had put the ball in the net from 12 yards.

The game became slightly scrappy as the half drew to a close, although Bardlsey had a decent effort on target beaten away by De Gea and Giggs was given plenty of space to try and hurt Sunderland down the left. The Welsh winger did finally get the ball in the back of the net before half time, although it was at the wrong end of the pitch when his touch off a Wes Brown cross turned the ball into his own net.

The goal came in first half injury time to brighten up what would have been described as a pretty mediocre first half. Larsson's well placed deep free-kick was volleyed back across goal by Brown and Giggs, trying to prevent Bardsley from diverting it in, inadvertently put the ball past De Gea himself. It was just the lift Sunderland needed going into the break and was a nightmare end to the half for David Moyes and his men, who were beginning to look like the stronger side.

United started the second half brightly, constantly pouring forward with Carrick pulling the strings from midfield. It wasn't long before Sunderland's defence wavered and Vidic headed in for the equaliser. Cleverley's corner in from the left allowed the United Captain to tower over former reds O'shea and Brown and head past Mannone.

Around the hour mark both sides made substitutions to try and find a way to get ahead in the tie. Poyet took Giaccherini off and brought Johnson on whilst Moyes was forced to replace Evans with Smalling. It was Sunderland who began to look likeliest to get a goal as Larsson hit a fine strike that forced a fabulous save from De Gea. Shortly after this the home side were awarded a penalty as substitute Johnson was felled in the box from a Cleverley challenge. It was a soft penalty but there did look to be minor contact as Cleverley went for the ball from an awkard angle. Referee Andre Marriner initially waved away the claims until his assistant advised him that contact was made and after this he gave the penalty. On-loan striker Borini stepped up to take it and calmy slotted it into the roof of the net to give the home team the advantage.

United tried to get back on terms in the final minutes with Januzaj causing problems throughout, but without their front men Rooney and Van Persie they struggled for some quality in front of goal. The first leg ended with Sunderland having a one-goal advantage to take to Old Trafford in a couple of weeks. David Moyes will be hoping his side's awful home form will finally start to improve by the time the second leg comes around so that they can secure a place in the final at Wembley. It would certainly ensure that there are some positives to take from this difficult transitional season without Sir Alex Ferguson.

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Swansea City 05/01/2014

• 
  
• 13. Anders Lindegaard - 5 - Poor decision to come so far out to allow Routledge to chip him for the goal. Should have done better and had poor distribution too.
• 12. Chris Smalling - 4 - Gave Bony a free header for the winner with poor positioning and never looked comfortable on the attack. Better at centre-half.

  6. Jonny Evans - 6 - Perhaps also at fault for the first goal but still United's best defender on the day.

  5. Rio Ferdinand - 5 - Positioning poor for the first goal and looked well off the pace. Went off injured in the second half.

  28. Alexander Buttner - 6 - One of United's best performers... going forward. Which is odd for a defender, he was very poor defensively. However, his crosses were brilliant all night which led to the Hernandez goal.

  25. Antonio Valencia - 5 - Very poor in the final third, Buttner put in some far better crosses. Quiet in the second half too.

  23. Tom Cleverley - 6 - Created very little. Ran around well but that's just not enough.

  24. Darren Fletcher - 6 - Tried his best, at least attempted to get the ball up field.

  26. Shinji Kagawa - 4 - Failed to take his chance yet again. Lazy tracking back and failed to find an opening. Poor.

  19. Danny Welbeck - 6 - Dropped deep well at times but never had much of an opportunity to add to his decent goals record of late.

  14. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez - 6 - Scored the goal but should have had maybe one or two more. His touch was poor again and he looks a bit unfit.
• 
  
• Substitutions-

 

44. Adnan Januzaj - 5 - Replaced Valencia. Had some decent moments but nothing that could help United turn the game around. It didn't help that Fabio was sent off shortly after he was introduced.

22. Fabio - 0 - Replaced Ferdinand. Was only on the pitch four minutes. Clearly eager to impress but there was no need to jump in with such a reckless challenge which left United with 10 men at a crucial time.

• 
  

Match Report: Manchester United vs Swansea City 05/01/2014

Manchester United take the 3rd round exit at Old Trafford as late Bony winner sends them crashing out of the FA Cup.

Both Manchester United and Swansea had started the New Year with Premier League home losses. United's six-game unbeaten streak was ruined as they were beaten 2-1 by Spurs and the Swans lost a close tie 3-2 to Manchester City. Michael Laudrup's side were now hoping to take advantage of United's unusual dip in home form to progress to the next round of the FA Cup and win at Old Trafford for the first time in their history. Moyes and his men, on the other hand, were trying to mirror their success so far in the Capital One Cup, where they have reached the Semi Finals. 

Both sides had a number of injuries ruling out key players with Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie both absent from United's strike force. Swansea striker Michu was out for the away side after having had an operation on his ankle, whilst their influential keeper Michel Vorm also missed out. Pablo Hernandez was the latest to be ruled out of the tie having pulled a hamstring in the New Year's Day defeat to City. United made several changes as Anders Lindegaard, Rio Ferdinand and Alex Buttner all got rare starts in the United defence. It was obvious that David Moyes wanted to keep one eye on their Capital One Cup Semi Final first leg against Sunderland on Tuesday.

The home side should have had a goal early on when Hernandez missed a chance after Welbeck and Kagawa had linked up well with a clever one-two. However, the Mexican was unable to break the deadlock and it was Swansea who then went on to take an early lead seconds later as Routledge showed the hosts how it's done with a superb finish. Bony dropped deep and knocked the ball back to Pozuelo, who had come into the team to replace Swansea's Hernandez. He then sent a precise long through ball that split open the defence and found the run of Routledge, who showed brilliant composure and skill to chip Lindegaard and put last season's Capital One Cup winners ahead in this FA Cup tie.

Swansea's travelling supporters were in their element and were surely confident of becoming the fifth team to beat United at Old Trafford this season. However, their lead didn't last long and within four minutes United made it back on terms as Hernandez showed he still has that predatory striker's touch that made him a favourite with the Old Trafford faithful. He had Buttner to thank for the goal though, as the Dutchman bombed down the left flank and presented the chance on a plate for him with a wonderful, curling cross. Hernandez needed no invitation as the ball dropped in front of him in the six-yard box and he volleyed it in from close range. 

After the equaliser, United began to dominate and create chances, although they never really tested the Swansea keeper. In the 18th minute good play from Fletcher saw Smalling given the ball in space at the byline, allowing him to cross for Welbeck in the box. United's in-form striker had his back to goal but held the ball up well and laid it off for Valencia, who shot with the outside of his right foot but couldn't keep it down and sent the ball into the stands.

After half time chances for both sides were few and far between with United struggling to find an opening in the Swansea defence. Januzaj and Fabio were both brought on to replace Valencia and Ferdinand late on and although the former definitely injected some energy into United's wing-play, he was unable to create another goal for the hosts. He at least fared better than United's other substitute though, as Fabio was on the pitch all of four minutes before he was dismissed via a straight red card from referee Mike Dean. 

It was a poor challenge from the Brazilian, in the middle of the pitch when there was no need for it. He went in for a challenge on Canas with his studs up and could have no complaints when he caught the player and was dismissed. United tried to hang on for a replay with ten men but Swansea knew that they had a great chance to score the winner and knock United out on their own turf. This is exactly what they did in the 90th minute as Bony, who had caused problems all night, scored with his head in front of the delirious Swansea support.

The scorer of Swansea's first, Routledge, supplied the cross in after he beat Fletcher with ease. Bony only had to jump and guide the ball in with his head as he was left unmarked, probably due to United having a man less. This meant that Swansea left Old Trafford after having secured their first victory there in their history but this fixture is repeated in the Premier League in just under a week's time and it will be interesting to see if Laudrup's men can achieve two wins at Old Trafford in a week or if United can find the right response to help them to a first win of 2014.

Match Report: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur 01/01/2014

More misery for Moyes as Webb waves away penalty claim and Spurs seal 2-1 win with goals from Adebayor and Eriksen to welcome in the New Year in style.

It was exactly one month ago that Manchester United travelled to White Hart Lane in a match that saw them share the points with Tottenham in a four-goal thriller. Tottenham have seen a change in manager since that last fixture, with Tim Sherwood taking over the reigns from Andre Villas Boas and looking to steer Spurs to their second win at Old Trafford in as many seasons. The return fixture gave both teams the chance to kick off the New Year with a much-needed 3 points, vital to keeping pressure on the teams in the top 4.

Wayne Rooney passed a late fitness test and returned to the United line-up after recovering from a slight groin injury. Antonio Valencia was back from suspension and started on the right for the home side although Rafael Da Silva, Robin Van Persie, Phil Jones and Nani all remained sidelined with injuries. Tottenham's injury woes continued as Paulinho was ruled out after sustaining ankle ligament damage in their 3-0 win over Stoke but Aaron Lennon and Moussa Dembele passed late fitness tests to secure places in the starting line-up.

 The home side made a bright start with Smalling the unlikely man to go closest to scoring early on after he made a good run in to the Spurs box and latched on to a ball in from Valencia on the right. He took the ball past Rose and drove a shot at Lloris that was saved, although the ball almost rolled under the Spurs keeper in the aftermath. Inside 15 minutes it was then De Gea's turn to be tested as United let Adebayor run freely with the ball and he passed to Solado. The striker saw the run of Lennon from the right and sent a perfect through ball to the winger, whose resulting first-time shot forced a good save from United's Spanish keeper.

It was a first half of little opportunities but Tottenham were the team to make the most of what they created as they silenced the home crowd just after the half hour mark when Adebayor scored his third goal in four games. It was a poor goal to concede for United as they allowed Spurs the space to break and then gifted Adebayor a free header from Eriksen's cross. It was a well taken goal from the former forgotten man though, as he looped his header over De Gea and into the net.

Shortly after scoring the opener, Spurs could have gone 2-0 up when Lennon once again got the better of Evra down the right and sent in a wonderful cross for Soldado. However, the only touch the Spaniard could get on it was with his knee which sent the ball wide, ensuring that his fellow countryman in the United goal was let off after his defence had left him exposed.

United had a penalty shout turned down early in the second half when Welbeck went tumbling in the box following slight contact from Chiriches. Howard Webb was quick to dismiss the appeals though as Moyes brought on Kagawa and Hernandez for Valencia and Carrick in a bid to get a goal back. It was Sherwood's side that went on to score the game's second though as they cut out a United attack and broke with pace. Adebayor and Soldado linked well before the latter played the ball to Lennon, who carried the ball into the box and then sent in an enticing cross. Taking a slight deflection off Vidic, the ball bounced just in front of Eriksen, who needed no further invitation to head the ball down and past De Gea. It was yet more poor defending from the home team, with makeshift right-back Valencia caught unaware and Evra left way out of position.

United knew they had to respond quickly and they probably couldn't have acted any faster as within a minute of the re-start they went up the other end and scored to put them back in the game with just over twenty minutes to go. It was their man-of-the-moment Welbeck who got the goal back as Januzaj put him in on goal with a delightful through ball. Welbeck then flicked the ball over the on-rushing Lloris with another confident finish, following his winner in the Norwich match on Saturday.

The Spurs goal had definitely woken United up and they continued to pile on the pressure in order to find an equaliser. Januzaj, who was uncharacteristically quiet up until United's goal, suddenly roared into life and almost created a second for United in the 77th minute. The 18 year old took the ball past Rose with ease and ran along the byline before sending in a low cross for Hernandez, whose flicked effort at goal was thwarted by Lloris. 

Lennon, who had given the United defence a torrid time all game, then gave them another scare when he weaved his way past Evra and Valencia to set himself up with a chance to shoot from inside the box. However, after having done all the hard work, his finish was weak and straight at De Gea. 

A few minutes from time United had a huge penalty shout turned down by Webb after Lloris' poorly timed challenge sent Young flying in the box. The winger was running on to a headed flick on from Welbeck when Lloris opted to try and win the ball and ran out from his goal with a high and reckless challenge. Webb then incensed the Old Trafford crowd even more when he chose not to give Januzaj a free-kick after he was clearly fouled outside the box. Rooney saw a late shot turned round the post by Lloris but it was their Captain Vidic who had the best of their late opportunities. The first a header off a set piece that Lloris had to get down low to save in his bottom right hand corner and the second a shot from inside a crowded box that was cleared off the line by Lennon.

It was a valiant effort by the home side but it was a case of too little, too late as the whistle went after five minutes of stoppage time and the game came to an end. Tottenham took their chances and then defended well in the final stages to earn the win although ultimately the main talking point from a United perspective will be the referee's decision not to award them a penalty that might have been key for them in their fight for a top four place come the end of the season.  However, they cannot linger on missed opportunities and their attention now turns to two cup matches, the first an FA Cup clash at home to Swansea on Sunday where they will be hoping for a little more luck and a few more goals.

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur 01/01/2014

1. David De Gea - 6 - Made a smart save from Lennon in the first half but maybe should have done better with Spurs' second goal.

12. Chris Smalling - 5 - Had a chance to score in the first half but hit his shot straight at Lloris. Allowed Adebayor an easy header for their first and looked all over the place at times, eventually being replaced as United chased the game.

15. Nemanja Vidic - 6 - Kept Soldado relatively quiet and tried his best to cut out Lennon's cross for the second goal after having to cover for others but should have done much better with the late chances to equalise off corners.

6. Jonny Evans - 7 - Looked confident, particularly in bringing the ball out of defence but could have done better at times against the likes of Lennon and Adebayor.
3. Patrice Evra - 4 - An awful performance. Struggled with Lennon and he is lucky that United don't have anyone better in this position to challenge him for his place as his constant laziness running back from out of position often leaves United exposed, as it did for the second goal. 

25. Antonio Valencia - 5 - His crosses were poor throughout and when he was moved to right-back he fell asleep allowing Eriksen to sneak past him and head in their second. Not a good day at the office.

16. Michael Carrick - 6 - Kept the ball well but often chose to pass backwards or sideways in a frustrating display where he was unable to impose himself on the game. Replaced in the second half.

23. Tom Cleverley - 6 - Was energetic as always but struggled against the strength and power of Dembele and never looked authoritative.

44. Adnan Januzaj - 7 - Quiet early on but grew into the game, providing a brilliant through ball for Welbeck's goal. Looked dangerous for large periods of the second half, often getting the better of Rose when he switched to play on the right.

10. Wayne Rooney - 6.5 - Struggled to get in the game initially but when he dropped back into midfield he tried to make things happen and played some superb cross-field passes. Seems like he was perhaps not fully recovered from his groin injury.

19. Danny Welbeck - 7 - Showcased good movement and running throughout and got another goal with a great finish. In confident form.

Substitutions-

26. Shinji Kagawa - 4 - Replaced Smalling. Offered nothing in attack or defence.

14. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez - 5 - Replaced Carrick. Had a couple of decent opportunities but his poor touch let him down.

18. Ashley Young - 6 - Replaced Cleverley. Put a couple of good crosses in and should have been awarded a penalty.

Team Ratings: Norwich City vs Manchester United 28/12/2013

1. David De Gea - 8 - Kept United in the game in the first half with two great saves.

12. Chris Smalling - 8 - Made some vital clearances and managed to keep Redmond quiet, particularly in the second half. 

15. Nemanja Vidic - 8 - In confident form with some good interceptions and headers.

6. Jonny Evans - 8 - Made two fantastic blocks in the first half and kept calm under constant pressure.
3. Patrice Evra - 6 - He made 17 clearances and won five aerial battles but it was still a poor performance, especially in the first half, as he was often out of position and too often exposed defensively. His positioning was all wrong and many of Norwich's best chances came down the right. Lucky not to be punished.

11. Ryan Giggs - 5 - Largely anonymous and taken off at half time.

16. Michael Carrick - 6 - Rusty after his spell out but completed 90% of his passes in a performance that improved in the second half.

23. Tom Cleverley - 7 - Neat in possession with a 97% pass completion rate. Did a lot of running with the inclusion of Giggs in the team in the first half and looked more comfortable in the second.

18. Ashley Young - 7 - His passing wasn't great but he looked United's most dangerous threat going forward and tried to create something. 

26. Shinji Kagawa - 5 - He kept the ball well but often stayed safe and never went for the adventurous ball forward. Offered no help defensively and was taken off in the second half.

14. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez - 6 - Largely starved of service but looked much better when he had a partner up front in the second half. 

Substitutions-

19. Danny Welbeck - 8 - Replaced Giggs. Changed the game. Stretched the defence, improved the attack and scored the winner. Looks confident.

44. Adnan Januzaj - 6 - Replaced Kagawa. Held the ball up well and helped out defensively.

24. Darren Fletcher - 5 - Replaced Hernandez. Too little time to impact anything but helped see the game out.

Match Report: Norwich City vs Manchester United 28/12/2013

Oh Danny Boy! Welbeck winner gifts United all three points against gritty Norwich at Carrow Road.

Manchester United's second post-Christmas fixture was another away tie, this time against Norwich. Chris Hughton's side had struggled so far in December, losing their last match 2-1 at home to struggling Fulham and only securing one win in their five festive fixtures, a 2-0 victory away at West Brom on December 7th. United, on the other hand, were beginning to put a decent run together after coming from 2-0 down to defeat Hull 3-2 two days ago. A win against the Canaries would give them a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions, a streak that could potentially silence some critics.

United were without Antonio Valencia as he was sent off against Hull, he would have missed the match regardless though as he picked up a fifth booking of the season. Rafael Da Silva and Phil Jones were both ruled out with injuries but the biggest surprise was the absence of Wayne Rooney, who didn't make the trip to Norfolk after picking up a knock. Javier Hernandez took his place in the line up whilst Shinji Kagawa, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick were also handed starting places. Norwich's absentees included Michael Turner (suspended), Elliot Bennett and Anthony Pilkington. Ryan Bennett came in at centre-back with Russell Martin at right back and Gary Hooper leading the home team's attack ahead of their five-man midfield.

The away side dominated possession early on but struggled to carve out any decent chances. However, they did force a save from Ruddy In the fifth minute after good work from Young in space down the right saw his cross eventually find Kagawa near the far post. The Japanese international then sent an ambitious effort towards goal from a tight angle that had to be parried away by the Canaries' stopper.

 After soaking up the pressure for fifteen minutes, Norwich then created an opening themselves after Evra was caught napping and allowed Martin to make a run from in behind the Frenchman. Snodgrass threaded a neat ball through to the right-back whose strong hit had to be forced away by De Gea. It then fell to Hoolahan who had an empty net to aim for but his touch was poor and his lack of control saw the ball gone, along with the opportunity.

Norwich began to look the side more likely to score as minutes later they tested De Gea again, this time with a shot from Hooper. It was more good build-up play from the home side with Snodgrass and Martin linking up nicely for the second time. The former crossed for Hooper in the centre of the box who hit it first time, it was straight at De Gea though and the Spaniard got both hands to it to palm it out for his defence to clear.

Norwich finished the half on top too, as they caused problems in and around the box, keeping the ball well and waiting for an opportunity to shoot. Two excellent blocks from Evans ensured United maintained their clean sheet before the break, the second block in particular was vital in stopping Hoolahan's shot from making it towards goal after he had wriggled his way past Carrick and Evra in the box. 

United did create one chance of note at the end of the first half when Young ran at the Norwich defence and set Hernandez through on goal. However the Mexican seemed unsure if he was onside or not and sent a weak shot straight into the hands of Ruddy. There was still time for another Norwich attack too, with Evra yet again left behind as the impressive Martin got past him and set up Snodgrass just outside the box. His shot went wide though and the whistle went to end a goalless half, although Norwich should really have been ahead.

Clearly noticing an issue in midfield, where Norwich's fluid passing had caused endless problems in the first half, Moyes made a change at half time and replaced Giggs with Welbeck. United started the second half better than they ended the first and their brightest attacking outlet so far Young sent a shot just over the bar after a lovely mazy run from midfield to the edge of the area. Norwich were still exploiting the space United left in the wide areas though as Hoolahan got the better of Evans just outside the box and fed in Redmond on the left whose cross was well hit but just whistled past the far post. 

Unfortunately for Hughton's men, they were left to rue their missed chances as United got a goal against the run of play. A throw-in from Smalling started the move as Hernandez's touch put the ball into Welbeck's possession, who took the ball away from Bassong on his way towards goal. Bennett then tried to clear but the ball bounced back off Welbeck and then against Hernandez before it fell into the path of Welbeck again, which left him one-on-one with Ruddy. The England striker then rounded the Norwich keeper and calmly finished for his fourth goal in as many league games and to give United a surprise lead at Carrow Road.

Hernandez tested Ruddy late on with a drive from range after a good cross from Evra whilst Norwich sub Murphy sent a shot over at the other end after some wonderful build up play involving Redmond and Hoolahan. It wasn't enough though as United managed to see the game out and secure a hard-fought victory against a Norwich side that performed admirably throughout. It was a harsh blow for them after they had played so well, with an important away match against Crystal Palace to come on New Year's Day. United host Tottenham at home for their first fixture of 2014 and will be hoping for the return of Wayne Rooney to avoid another poor home performance after this match where Norwich were unlucky not to come away with at least a point.