Match Report - Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland

Competition: Premier League
Kick-Off & Date: 3pm, Saturday, 5th November 2011
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester (Home)
Attendance: 75,570


Sir Alex Ferguson's 25th anniversary weekend as manager of Manchester United FC was celebrated with a 1-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford. Over 75,000 supporters filled The Theatre Of Dreams, many of them in the renamed 'Sir Alex Ferguson Stand' (North Stand), as Danny Welbeck forced a Wes Brown own goal in first half stoppage time to secure a 4th successive clean sheet in all competitions. United stay 2nd in the Premier League... 

Fergie had Anders Lindegaard making a start in goal for United, lining up alongside skipper Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra in defence. The midfield looked like Darren Fletcher, Ji-Sung Park and Luis Nani, with Wayne Rooney playing in behind strike partners Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck. It was one of the strongest XI's the gaffer could have played, signalling his intent of a triumphant victory. 

The day began in emotional circumstances as Sir Alex was applauded by both sets of teams, staff and fans when he emerged from the tunnel. He met Chief Executive David Gill in the centre of the field, and was presented with an achievement award before a huge surprise was unveiled at Britain's largest football club ground. For the first time in 101 years of Old Trafford history, a stand was renamed. 'The North Stand' became 'The Sir Alex Ferguson Stand'.

26,000 of the spectators gathered in the North Stand cheered loudest as the 'Old Trafford, Manchester' hoarding was replaced to reveal 'Sir Alex Ferguson Stand'. A fitting tribute to our boss of 25 years, who has won a spectacular 37 trophies in that space of time with the world's biggest football team. The match got off the a noisy start, and it was the home side who expectantly dominated possesion in the early days.

As Sunderland attempted to cope with The Red Devils' control, forward Conor Wickham was stretchered off injured in an accidental off-the-ball incident. But it was The Black Cats who got the opening chances of the game, with Nicklas Bendtner providing fellow Denmark International Anders Lindegaard with some work to do. Sebastian Larsson clashed with Chicharito inside the penalty area later into the game: No penalty, said ref. Lee Mason.

Jones almost broke the deadlock with a marvellous volley on the edge of the box, before Nani's inswinging corner from the right was flicked on by Danny Welbeck's head, taking a similar deflection off former Red Wes Brown and past Irish goalkeeper Keiren Westwood. The timing was superb - 1 minute into first half stoppage time. There was luckily no need for Ferguson's hairdryer at half-time on his momentous day in charge of The Reds.

Granted it was a boring first period, but the atmosphere remained incredible, and thankfully the second half started with a little more flare. Nani came close from a well-executed free-kick, Park had a shout as well, before Chicharito's effort was cleared off the line as The Black Cats held on for dear life. The Reds were still well ahead with possesion, and stayed 1-0 up, but the match needed a second goal to ease the nerves around the ground.

That anxiety only grew when referee Mason awarded a penalty to the away side - or at least appeared to. Ji Dong-Won handled inside the box from a Sunderland cross, but the official interpreted the handball by either Vidic or Ferdinand, who responded fiercely to the decision. Lee Mason consulted with his linesmen and then decided that he had made an incorrect call, and reserved the decision to a Manchester United free out instead. Phew !

With The Reds off the hook, they tried to put a two goal cushion between the sides. Rooney and Evra should both have scored was it not for the S'land keeper. But there was nothing left in the tank for Steve Bruce's side, who withered away  in the dying stages and showed little signs of coming back into the game. They didn't, and United ended as winners for yet another occasion at home. Sir Alex was pleased with his side's shutting out of Sunderland. 

Happy Anniversary, Sir Alex !


United Team: Anders Lindegaard, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher (Fabio Da Silva '93), Luis Nani, Ji-Sung Park (Michael Carrick '83), Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck (Dimitar Berbatov '73), Javier Hernandez.

Goals: Wes Brown (Own-Goal) '45+1

• Video Highlights: United 1-0 Sunderland