Sunderland: Fiorentina's Marcos Alonso joins on loan
Sunderland have completed a deal to sign Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso on loan for the rest of the season.
Alonso has had a medical at the Stadium of Light and will join the Black Cats' squad officially when the transfer window opens in January.
The 23-year-old Spaniard, who left Bolton for Fiorentina in May, is Gus Poyet's first signing as manager.
"I was looking for a player in that position on the left side and I hope he will help us," Poyet said.
"I am delighted that everything is agreed."
Alonso began his career at Real Madrid, where he made just one appearance for the club's first team after a long stint with the club's 'B' team.
The defender joined Bolton in July 2010 and went on to make 46 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals.
Sunderland are bottom of the Premier League table and Poyet will have limited funds to bring in new players next month.
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Sunderland eye Marcos Alonso loan but more spending unlikely
Sunderland are close to signing former Bolton defender Marcos Alonso on loan from Fiorentina but boss Gus Poyet is unlikely to get more funds in January.
It is understood owner Ellis Short is unwilling to invest in the team, meaning Poyet will have to sell before he can buy in the transfer window.
Poyet will otherwise have to continue with the club's transfer policy of signing free agents or players on loan.
Spaniard Alonso, 22, left Bolton for Italian outfit Fiorentina in May 2013.
Eight of the 14 players who arrived at the Stadium of Light in the summer were either season-long loan deals or free transfers.
While Poyet is only looking to make temporary additions, relegation rivals including West Ham and Crystal Palace are expected to be busy, with funds being made available to Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis respectively.
While Sunderland are currently bottom of the Premier League, they boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Boxing Day.
The omens for the Black Cats do not look good, though.
Only West Brom, in the 2004-05 season, avoided relegation after being bottom of the Premier League table at Christmas.
Sunderland AFC Vs Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Stadium of Light
Date: Wednesday, 1 January
TEAM NEWS
Sunderland duo Adam Johnson and Fabio Borini are doubtful through illness, while John O'Shea has a shoulder problem and will also be assessed.
Defender Wes Brown serves the final game of a three-match ban.
Aston Villa will monitor the fitness of Christian Benteke (knee) and defender Ron Vlaar (calf) as they look to end a run of five games without a win.
Vlaar's possible return would be timely as fellow centre-back Ciaran Clark serves a one-game ban.
MATCH PREVIEW
Though it is Sunderland who reside at the foot of the Premier League table, there's a distinct feeling that it is they and not opponents Aston Villa who go into the new year with a great deal more to be positive about.
Unbeaten in their past four league games, three of which were away, Gus Poyet's side are exhibiting the qualities essential to mount a survival bid.
In addition, the psychological boost they received by knocking Chelsea out of the League Cup will have energised them still further and given them genuine belief that they have it within them to disprove the theory that the side at the bottom at Christmas is a virtual certainty to be playing Championship football next season.
The visitors are in the midst of a miserable sequence of results; without a win in five, their draw with Swansea at the weekend ended a run of four straight defeats.
They were booed off by their disconsolate supporters, and may be relieved to playing away, where they've been far more effective throughout Paul Lambert's reign.
Another defeat at the Stadium of Light, though, and they will have allowed the hosts to move to within just three points of them. Like it or not, they'll be the side in the sights of the bottom three.
With fixtures against Arsenal and Liverpool looming straight after, they can ill-afford to begin 2014 by succumbing to the Black Cats.
It's also a clash of the side with the most red cards (Sunderland) against the one with the most yellows (Villa), and considering there have been four players sent off in the past six meetings, perhaps we should expect a feisty afternoon.
It all points to a fixture of both intensity and nervousness in equal measure.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Aston Villa are unbeaten against Sunderland in their past five fixtures, scoring nine and conceding three (W2, D3).
The Black Cats have won four, drawn four and lost four of 12 Premier League home games against Villa.
Villa have the better overall record, with 78 wins to Sunderland's 54 in head-to-head fixtures.
Sunderland
Sunderland are currently on a four-match unbeaten run (W1, D3).
The Black Cats have failed to win any of their nine games against bottom-half opposition this season.
Two of Sunderland's three Premier League wins in 2013-14 have come at the Stadium of Light.
Four teams in the Premier League have scored more goals than Sunderland and Villa's combined total of 33 prior to the latest round of matches.
27% of Sunderland's goals have been scored in the opening 15 minutes, the highest proportion in the Premier League this season.
Aston Villa
Paul Lambert's side are without a win in their past five games.
If the Villans fail to win it will be their longest sequence without a league victory since an eight-game run between December 2012 and February 2013.
Villa have lost half as many games (3) away from home as they have at Villa Park (6).
Only Fulham (14) have conceded the first goal in a game more frequently than Aston Villa (12).
Aston Villa have scored just two goals in their past five matches.
Villa captain Ron Vlaar scored his first goal for the club against Sunderland in the 6-1 victory last April.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Image of Mark Lawrenson Mark Lawrenson Football analyst
"Sunderland have found a bit of form, going unbeaten in their last four in the league as well as reaching the semi-final of the Capital One Cup.
"Aston Villa have been heading in the opposite direction over the past few weeks, losing four in a row before their draw with Swansea at the weekend."
Mark Lawrenson's Premier League predictions: Sunderland v Aston Villa
This is another big game at the bottom of the table.
Sunderland have found a bit of form, going unbeaten in their last four in the league as well as reaching the semi-final of the Capital One Cup.
Aston Villa have been heading in the opposite direction over the past few weeks, losing four in a row before their draw with Swansea at the weekend.
I would have to back Sunderland here, to add to Villa's problems. I still don't think Paul Lambert's side are in real danger of going down, though.
I have said it before that most teams in the Premier League have peaks and troughs and this is undoubtedly Villa's bad spell.
A month ago they looked in great shape however and went five league games unbeaten. Since then the games have come thick and fast and their results have been poor but I remain a fan of Lambert and I understand what he is trying to do, on a relatively small budget.
Because of that small budget I think Villa's chairman Randy Lerner understands there will be good months and bad months. December has been a bad month.
Lawro's prediction: 2-1
Steve's prediction: Another massive game. Sunderland to edge it for me, not enough to get them out of trouble but enough to put Villa in it. 1-0
Sheffield Wednesday have extended the loan spell of Sunderland striker Connor Wickham.
The 20-year-old, who also spent time on loan with the Owls last season, has been at Hillsborough since 1 November.
The England Under-21 international has scored six goals in eight games and will stay at the club until 29 January.
He began his career at Ipswich before moving to Sunderland in a deal worth around £8m in June 2011, and has since made 40 appearances for the Black Cats.
Meanwhile, Glenn Loovens has also extended his stay with the Championship club.
The 30-year-old signed on a month-by-month basis in early December but the Dutch defender has now agreed a contract extension through to the end of the season.
The former Cardiff and Celtic centre-back has so far made five appearances, during which the Owls have conceded only three goals and lost just once.
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Aston Villa at Stadium of Light on Wednesday Jan 1, 2014.
There is the stench of desperation seeping into Sunderland’s bid for survival after Aston Villa grabbed a victory that strengthened their position in the mid-table comfort zone.
Sunderland huffed and puffed, but did not possess the power to blow Villa’s defence down. Their effort could not be faulted, but once again their lack of quality was exposed by an away team that took the lead and ended the contest knowing they should have won by more.
At the final whistle, Gus Poyet had three strikers and a former England international in Adam Johnson on the pitch, yet Villa repelled their increasingly manic attempts to find an equaliser with a degree of ease that should alarm the Black Cats manager.
A curt post-match press conference betrayed the pressure he is feeling.
Relegation from the Premier League looks likely because Sunderland cannot beat the teams around them in the table.
“It is difficult for me, I need to be careful about what I say,” said Poyet. “I will say very little, I’m sorry about that, but it’s for the best. I’m disappointed, I’m fed up.”
Sunderland are playing better than they were before Poyet arrived in October, but they are as toothless under him as they were under his predecessor Paolo Di Canio. They concede too many soft goals and struggle to score them, even in games like this when they are able to exert pressure. The crowd tried their best to encourage, but they could not tolerate the directionless attacks that ruined a performance that had initially hinted at so much better.
Many are starting to fear the worst. An away win at Everton on Boxing Day brought hope, a battling point at Cardiff City was evidence of their spirit, but this defeat shattered illusions.
Poyet will try to improve the squad this month. He has already secured the signing of former Bolton Wanderers left-back Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina and is hoping to complete deals for Brighton midfielders Will Buckley and Liam Bridcutt, but he needs a striker. Sunderland had 17 shots on goal here, of which only one was on target.
Poyet can only do so much on the training ground and he cannot legislate for the sort of mistake that gifted Villa the lead.
Lee Cattermole should have collected a pass from Valentin Roberge with ease, but misjudged the greasy surface and the ball rolled past him.
Gabriel Agbonlahor accepted the gift and rounded Vito Mannone with a shimmy before rolling the ball into the empty net.
You will find few who try as hard as Cattermole and the mistake tortured him. Sunderland’s captain was taken off at half-time, more out of kindness than a desire to punish.
“After the mistake it was very difficult for Lee,” said Poyet. “It was difficult for the players to maintain a good relationship with the fans so I dropped Lee.
“I thought taking him off was the best thing for the team, it wasn’t anything to do with the way he was playing.”
Until they scored, Villa had struggled. Sunderland poured forward and had two good chances to take the lead, the first when Steven Fletcher was played in by Emanuele Giaccherini, the second when the Italian’s cross fell to Ji Dong-won and the South Korean fired wide.
Sunderland continued to create chances, Jack Colback taking too long to get a shot away, allowing Villa’s defence to squeeze the space and his shot deflected wide.
Agbonlahor’s goal, though, gave Villa the chance to play to their strengths on the counter-attack, Leandro Bacuna exposing the lack of pace in the Sunderland defence with a run and shot that flew narrowly wide.
They were even better at exploiting Sunderland’s desperation in the second-half, frustrating them with the discipline and bravery of their defence and exposing them with their speed going forward.
Bacuna was kept out by a brilliant save from Mannone before Christian Benteke was denied a goal when Phil Bardsley cleared off the line. “It was his first game back and he looked more like his old self,” said Villa manager Paul Lambert. “He is a young player who has lost confidence.”
Tempers began to fray after Sunderland had been denied an equaliser by a tight offside decision when Giaccherini swept home a knock-down from Fletcher. Poyet went for broke, replacing centre-back Roberge with Johnson, but rather than open up Villa’s defence, he exposed his own.
Villa should have scored twice in the final 10 minutes, but substitute Marc Albrighton was denied by another good save from Mannone before firing over when one-on-one with the Italian.
“I thought we deserved the win and we could have made it more comfortable as we had three or four good chances to score,” added Paul Lambert.
“We are not a club that can cope with injuries to key players, young players lose confidence quicker than experienced ones, but we had players back today and that helped. I will try and improve the depth of the squad this month if I can, but if we can’t we can’t.”
Sunderland (4-1-4-1)
Mannone; Celustka, Roberge (Johnson 76), Diakite, Bardsley; Cattermole (Borini 46); Ji (Altidore 66), Colback, Ki, Giaccherini; Fletcher.
Subs not used: Pickford, Dossena, Larsson, Gardner, Johnson.
Booked: Giaccherini, Ki, Ji, Colback
Aston Villa (4-4-2)
Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar (Albrighton 69), Baker, Luna; Bacuna. Westwood, Delph, Weimann; Benteke, Agbonlahor.
Subs not used: Steer, El Ahmadi, Albrighton, Bowery, Tonev, Kozak, Donacien.
Phil Bardsley: Sunderland strikers to blame for struggles
Sunderland have scored just 15 goals in 20 Premier League games and Phil Bardsley has made it clear where he feels the blame lies for the team's worrying position.
Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has blamed the club's misfiring strikers for failing to lift the Black Cats out of the relegation zone over the Festive period.
Sunderland slipped to a 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on New Year's Day to ensure they start 2014 stuck at the foot of the Premier League, four points adrift of safety.
A shock win at Everton and a battling point at Cardiff City appeared to have given Gus Poyet's side a platform to launch themselves out of the bottom three, but familiar failings in front of goal against Villa ruined those encouraging results on the road.
Sunderland have scored just 15 goals in 20 Premier League games and, despite ending the match with three strikers on the pitch, the defeat to Villa was the ninth time they have failed to score this season.
It is a wretched statistic and Bardsley made it clear where he feels the blame lies for the team's worrying position.
"We dominated possession, kept the ball and moved the ball, trying to bring them out and create chances," he told the Shields Gazette.
"We created chances but again we didn't convert them, and that has been a banana skin for us this season.
"We chased the game and tried to create opportunities in the second half, and I think Emanuele Giaccherini's goal might have been onside – so that decision went against us.
"But at the end of the day, in front of goal, we are just simply not good enough at the minute."
Poyet is trying to sign a striker in the January window, but his budget is limited and he may have to sell to buy the calibre of player he needs to drag the team out of trouble.
The Uruguayan has already signed former Bolton Wanderers left-back Marco Alonso on loan from Fiorentina and is hoping to complete a £3m move for Brighton pair Will Buckley and Liam Bridcutt, although his former club are not impressed with the size of Sunderland's bid.
Sunderland could revive interest in Ignacio Scocco as Gus Poyet looks for goals
The Black Cats were interested in the forward in July, and might take a second bite at the cherry.
Sunderland have been offered forward Ignacio Scocco as they look to add some firepower to their side in January.
Director of Football Roberto De Fanti considered bringing Scocco in last summer but was put off by the £4million fee for a 28-year-old.
The forward instead joined Brazil's Internacional, but didn't settle and will be allowed to leave the club this winter.
The Porto Alegre club are willing to loan out the striker, who was top scorer in Argentina last season, and Scocco's representatives are hoping that the Black Cats will revive their interest.
A return to his homeland remains a possibility, but Inter want a permanent deal in the region of £3million that may be too costly for suitors River Plate and Racing Club.
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Sunderland fans anger over ‘bubble trip’ to Newcastle on derby day
FUMING football supporters have hit out after it emerged that Sunderland fans travelling to next month’s Tyne-Wear derby may have to do so on official coaches.
The so-called “bubble trip” has been slammed by supporters and could mean that all of those attending in the away end at St James’s Park for the February 1 clash will have to travel on official coaches where they will be issued with their match tickets on board.
The move was mooted at a Sunderland AFC branch liaison meeting although the club today said a number of options were still being looked at.
Fans have branded the plan “a joke”, with many saying they will be inconvenienced by having to travel to the Stadium of Light to get on buses when they already live near to Newcastle. Scores of people were arrested as violence flared at last season’s Tyne Wear derby in Newcastle in April following Sunderland’s 3-0 win at the ground.
Fans took to Twitter to voice their concerns.
Luke Bowley wrote: “If this bubble trip is true, it’s another example of how atrociously Northumbria Police treat Sunderland fans.”
Another user @safc1879_ wrote: “Might not bother doing Newcastle away if its a bubble trip. Might have a student ticket for sale if it is. Absolute joke.”
Janet Rowan, of the Chester-le-Street supporters branch of Sunderland AFC, was at the branch meeting where the proposals were discussed. “Everyone is trying to get some sort of compromise that the police are happy with,” she said.
“Things haven’t been finalised, and I know that the club are looking at putting on alternative routes so that fans wouldn’t all have to travel to Sunderland.
“I can understand the police’s problem because for the derby at the Stadium of Light they can close off Sheepfolds, but St James’s is in Newcastle city centre where there are loads of back alleys where people can be hiding.”
A spokeswoman for Sunderland AFC said a number of options were being looked at for arrangements for the game.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “We are still working with clubs and other partners regarding arrangements for this upcoming fixture and the information will be released in due course.”
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Jones set for Schalke exit as Villa, West Brom and Sunderland eye USA midfielder
A cluster of Premier League clubs have been alerted to the availability of Jermaine Jones, with the likelihood of the player leaving Schalke this month growing stronger.
The 32-year-old, who spent time on loan at Blackburn Rovers three seasons ago, hasn’t travelled to the club’s January training camp in Doha.
And Jones, out of contract in the summer, wants a move away from Gelsenkirchen quickly. Schalke are keen to make some money back on the midfielder they signed in 2007.
Aston Villa, West Brom, Sunderland, Norwich and Crystal Palace are all keeping tabs on the situation.
Although his spell at the Veltins Arena is coming to an end, Jones has made 18 appearances for Schalke this season - including both Champions League defeats against Chelsea.
Any move to England would be short-term, with Jones desperate for game time ahead of the World Cup in Brazil this summer.
The midfielder has been capped 38 times for the USA - despite being born in Germany.
FA Cup prediction: Sunderland v Carlisle 5/1/14 (14:00 GMT)
Carlisle have been struggling away from home in League One, with only two wins out of 12 games on the road, and I cannot see them improving that record at the Stadium of Light.
I do not think Sunderland need any more games to go with their battle to stay in the Premier League and their two-legged semi-final with Manchester United in the Capital One Cup, but they are going to get at least one more in the FA Cup.
Wednesday’s 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa condemned Gus Poyet’s side to their twelfth league loss of the season with the Black Cats having only won one of their last nine Premier League matches as they sit rooted at the bottom, four points from safety.
Sunderland have, however, fared better in cup competitions this season reaching the semi-final of the League Cup where they will face Manchester United, while they have been given a generous tie against League One outfit Carlisle with Poyet hoping to win the competition he won with Chelsea back in 2000.
Carlisle travel over from Cumbria in not too dissimilar form as they sit 15th in League One having lost three of the last four, with the most recent being a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Crewe.
The club’s managing director recently stated that the club had overspent since Graham Kavanagh became manager in September and players must be sold this month, therefore, if the Blues were able to produce an upset over their Premier League opponents, it would come as a much needed boost economically for the club.
The pair have been drawn together in the cup on three occasions, with each game going to a replay. Carlisle have come away victors once while Sunderland have progressed twice, winning 3-1 the last time out in 1995.
KICK-OFF: Sunday, 2:00pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS:
Carlisle 1 (Walling) Sunderland 3 (Armstrong 2, Gray), FA Cup 3 Round Replay, January 1995
Sunderland 1 (Russell) Carlisle 1 (Davey), FA Cup 3 Round, January 1995
Carlisle 0 Sunderland 1 (Howey), FA Cup 3 Round Replay, January 1994
STATS:
Sunderland have received the most red cards in the Premier League this season (5), the same number as Carlisle who have played four more games (24) with forward Lee Miller been shown red three times.
Both sides have claimed six points from their last six league games – Sunderland W1 D3 L2, Carlisle W2 L4.
Carlisle have only won two away games this season whilst Sunderland have won one more than that at home (3).
The forthcoming Tyne-Wear derby, scheduled for Saturday 1st February 2014, will now kick off at the earlier time of 12.45pm.
Supporters are advised that the game has not been selected for TV broadcast on this occasion.
An announcement will be made regarding official transport to St James’ Park for Sunderland fans in due course.
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Derby ticket and travel news
Info regarding arrangements for St James' Park trip.
Sunderland AFC fans attending the Tyne-Wear on February 1st 2014 are being advised of new travel and ticketing arrangements for the fixture, which will kick off at 12:45pm.
After consultation with fans groups, the respective Safety Advisory Groups, Newcastle United FC and Northumbria Police, the club’s plans will build on last season’s coach travel arrangements, which received positive feedback from SAFC fans.
All Sunderland supporters attending the game will be required to travel to St James’ Park on official transport. This will include a fleet of buses departing from the Stadium of Light and official supporters’ branch transport, with designated rendezvous points along the route. Further details will be released in due course.
Transport, including the official supporters’ branch coaches, will be provided free of charge by Sunderland AFC.
Fans are advised that SAFC’s terms and conditions of issue for tickets for the game will clearly state that official transport must be used in order to gain access to St James’ Park.
Supporters will also be required to leave St James’ Park on the official transport provided.
Sunderland AFC’s head of safety, Paul Weir, said: “The safety of all fans at the derby is our priority. We also recognise the need by all parties to consider the safety of people going about their day to day business in Newcastle.
“We have consulted with fans groups regarding the implementation of these new arrangements and whilst we recognise that some of our fans may be inconvenienced, we are working to minimise this as much as possible.
“We have liaised closely with Safety Advisory Group members, who are in full support of the new arrangements and this is an on-going process to make the derby a safe and enjoyable event for everyone, with a view to continuing to make it better in the future.
“I would like to thank our fans for their positive input so far and I am confident that these new arrangements will be a success."
Further information will be announced in due course regarding departure times and details for the official transport.
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Newcastle v Sunderland meeting brought forward
Next month's Tyne-Wear derby clash between Newcastle and Sunderland will now kick off at 12.45pm.
The game at St James' Park on Saturday, February 1 was initially due to get under way at 3pm, but is not being broadcast live and the start has now been brought forward.
Trouble flared in Newcastle city centre on April 14 last year after the Black Cats had won 3-0 in the Barclays Premier League at St James'.
Loan signing Marcos Alonso could be handed a Sunderland debut in Sunday's FA Cup third round tie against Carlisle.
The full-back, who joined the club from Fiorentina for the rest of the season earlier this week, is in line to be involved as manager Gus Poyet looks for a response to Wednesday's dismal 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat by Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.
Central defender Wes Brown is available after serving a three-match ban and partner John O'Shea could return after sitting out the same three fixtures with a shoulder problem but goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has had to delay shoulder surgery which could rule him out of much of the remainder of the campaign because of illness.
Carlisle skipper Paul Thirlwell is set to miss out on facing his first club, due to a calf injury he suffered in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat at Crewe.
Sean O’Hanlon is doubtful with a knee injury, meaning boss Graham Kavanagh could be forced into major changes in defence.
Connor Townsend, on loan from Hull set to slot in at left-back, but Max Ehmer’s loan from QPR has come to a conclusion.
Pascal Chimbonda could feature against his former side as a centre-back, while Brad Potts may come in at right-back.
Sunderland have been eliminated in two of the last three seasons at the third round stage to teams from a lower division (Notts County in 2011, Bolton in 2013).
The two have plenty of FA Cup history, with Sunderland beating Carlisle in Round 3 in 1994 and 1995, both in replays.
However, the Cumbrians dumped the then holders out in 1974, in a replay at Roker Park after a 0-0 draw.
Sunderland have never beaten Carisle at home in the FA Cup (D2 L1).
Carlisle last made it past the third round in 1997, beating Tranmere 1-0 - they've lost their last three games at this stage (Arsenal in 2001, Everton in 2010, Torquay in 2011).
Name:
ManU!lkKsICw.462014-01-04 16:04
Newcastle Unite 1 - 2 Cardiff City Attendance: 31,166 put the myth to bed that they get 50,000 fans each week.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-05 13:20
>>732
>Man Utd fan commenting on attendance
OT looks half-empty today.
Sunderland 3 Carlisle 1 match report: Adam Johnson and debutant El Hadji Ba give manager Gus Poyet a boost
Beleaguered Gus Poyet was handed a boost as Sunderland eased past League One Carlisle to book their place in the FA Cup fourth round.
The relegation-haunted Black Cats headed in at 1-1 at half-time after Matty Robson had cancelled out Adam Johnson's fine free-kick.
However, Sean O'Hanlon's own goal and a late strike from substitute El-Hadji Ba meant it ended 3-1 to the hosts, killing off any hope of an upset for the 5,631 travelling fans among a crowd of 21,973 and securing a fourth round home tie against either Kidderminster or Peterborough for Poyet's men.
The fact that it was achieved without skipper John O'Shea, Italy midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini and main striker Steven Fletcher will have been a source of comfort for the Uruguayan amid a cluttered schedule.
However, while progression in both domestic cup competitions has been welcome, it is the fight for Premier League survival which remains the overriding priority.
Carlisle have their own problems with the club sitting just three points clear of the drop zone, but they should return to league action boosted by a creditable display after they more than made a fist of it against top-flight opposition.
Their visit to Wearside came at precisely the wrong time for Poyet and his players with the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final against Manchester United scheduled for Tuesday evening, and the manager made seven changes as he attempted to manage his scarce resources.
But the Uruguayan returned to the dressing room at half-time with many questions remaining unanswered.
Poyet chose to field midfielder Ki Sung-yueng alongside Wes Brown on his return from suspension in central defence, while there was another start for striker Ji Dong-won on the left wing.
But it was Craig Gardner, prompted by midfield colleagues Johnson and Sebastian Larsson, who carried the biggest threat for the home side in the early stages with a series of long-range efforts, although only one of them forced visiting goalkeeper Greg Fleming to make a save.
Fleming did, however, distinguish himself with a fine one-on-one block to deny Jozy Altidore after he had been played in by Johnson with 17 minutes gone, and the United States international later scuffed another effort harmlessly wide from close range.
In the meantime, Prince Buaben had tested Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone at his near post with the League One side still well in the game.
The visitors eventually fell behind 12 minutes before the break as Johnson produced a piece of real quality after Gardner had been tripped by David Amoo 25 yards out.
His curling free-kick was too well placed for Fleming and sailed inside the post to give the Black Cats the advantage they craved.
However, the lead lasted just nine minutes as Amoo atoned for his part in the opening goal by sending in a cross which had Mannone flapping helplessly and Robson latched on to the loose ball to smash it home off the underside of the bar despite Brown's best efforts on the line.
Mannone was grateful to collect James Berrett's deflected injury-time effort as the Cumbrians sensed an opportunity.
But the Black Cats restored their lead within five minutes of the restart when Johnson played Larsson's cross first time back across goal and Carlisle skipper O'Hanlon sliced his attempted clearance past Fleming and into the net.
The visitors immediately embarked upon the search for a second equaliser with full-back Brad Potts getting forward well in support of Amoo down the right, but with Sunderland starting to retain possession their hopes dwindled.
Ki and Ji departed for Phil Bardsley and senior debutant Duncan Watmore with 27 minutes remaining, and the former Altrincham striker almost made his mark within five minutes when he fed Altidore and then ran on to the American's back-heeled pass before forcing another good save from Fleming.
The Black Cats assumed complete control as time ran down with Watmore providing fresh legs and an enterprising outlook, and the visitors found themselves having to defend ever deeper as time ran down.
Ba, an 80th-minute replacement for Larsson, made sure in the final minute of normal time with a helping hand from Altidore to complete a solid afternoon's work.
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Sunderland confirm they want to keep Steven Fletcher after interest from Celtic and Hull
Manager Gus Poyet says: 'I don’t want to sell Fletcher. He’s our top scorer and he’s the one who is going to score the goals and make the difference.'
Gus Poyet has claimed he wants to keep striker Steven Fletcher at Sunderland despite attempts by Celtic and Hull City to sign the club's top goalscorer last season.
Fletcher has been in and out of the side under Poyet and the Uruguayan admits no player is unsaleable if a ridiculous offer is made, but he would prefer to keep the Scotland international.
Hull boss Steve Bruce is a big admirer of Fletcher, but his interest has not been encouraged and Hull are unlikely to be able to match Sunderland’s valuation. Former Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill paid £12m for the 26-year-old in the summer of 2012 and the club will want to at least recoup that money, although Poyet does not want to part with him.
“Of course I don’t want to sell Fletcher,” said Poyet. “He’s our top scorer and he’s the one who is going to score the goals and make the difference.
“Three days ago we were talking about how happy we were with him after he’d scored a great goal against Cardiff. He had a great chance the other day [against Aston Villa] but did not score. It happens. It’s football.
“I’ve got no issues with Steven, that’s why he’s playing. If I had issues I wouldn’t be playing him. We need to use the squad because of the quantity of games. I don’t take anything personal with any player, sometimes they get it wrong.
“If they don’t play, sometimes it can be a tactical reason and sometimes we don’t explain it because if you did that every time you would not stop calling players. The idea is we try to get the best out of them. That is our job.
“I’m not the type of person to say ‘no-one is for sale’ and then we sell one,” added Poyet. "Why? Because every single player has a price. That is the truth. If someone comes with a crazy offer for a player he will go. I’m not talking about Fletcher, I’m talking about every player.”
Bridcutt close to joining Sunderland as Poyet wraps up £2.5m deal for midfielder
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet is close to tying up a £2.5million deal for Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt.
The move could be funded by Nottingham Forest who are keen to sign Sunderland striker Connor Wickham for £5million.
Bridcutt, a 24-year-old Scotland international is Poyet’s number one target in the transfer window and the two clubs are close to agreeing a deal which could take the fee up to £5m.
Bridcutt, a former Chelsea youth player is keen to be reunited with former Seagulls boss Poyet who is also hoping to secure a deal for Bridcutt’s Brighton team-mate Will Buckley.
Sunderland have opened talks with midfielder Jack Colback over a new deal. He is one of eight players out of contract at the Stadium of Light at the end of this season.
Wickham has been on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and the England Under-21 international has scored seven goals in nine games but Forest have revived their interest and are looking to sign him permanently.
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Capital One Cup semi-final: Manchester United visit Sunderland for first leg
Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of going out of the FA Cup when they travel to Sunderland for the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.
A 2-1 loss at home to Swansea City at the weekend further increased the pressure on David Moyes after what has been a difficult start to the new manager's reign at Old Trafford.
United have made it through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League but are currently seventh in the Premier League, 11 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, so the League Cup now represents Moyes' best chance by far of claiming a trophy in his maiden campaign at the club.
He has insisted that he will not be treating the Sunderland clash any differently in the wake of their FA Cup exit, maintaining that it has always been vital for the Red Devils to try and reach the final.
But, having ended 2013 with a six-match winning streak in all competitions, the defeat by Swansea was a second home loss in succession at the start of the new year after going down to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
United have knocked out Liverpool, Norwich City and Stoke city to reach the last four of the Capital One Cup but will be wary of the threat posed by Sunderland, who beat Chelsea in dramatic fashion after extra-time in the previous round.
The Black Cats also edged out Southampton in the last 16, having come through earlier ties against Milton Keynes Dons and Peterborough United.
A 3-1 victory over Carlisle United in the FA Cup on Sunday kept up their fine record in the domestic knockout competitions this season, but manager Gus Poyet has called on his men to become more consistent in the coming months.
There have been signs of more solidity in recent weeks, even though Sunderland remain bottom of the Premier League, with just one defeat in their last seven games.
Sunderland, who like United will have had just over 48 hours to prepare for the match, were beaten 2-1 when the sides met in the league in October as Adnan Januzaj's dazzling breakthrough performance inspired a thrilling comeback.
Victory over United on Tuesday would provide an important confidence boost and set them up for the return leg at Old Trafford on 22 January.
Sunderland
A Villa (h)0-1
Cardiff (a)2-2
Norwich (h)0-0
Chelsea (h)2-1
John O'Shea returns to the Sunderland squad for the clash with United.
The Republic of Ireland defender has missed the last four games with a shoulder injury but resumed training late last week and is in contention to start the first leg at the Stadium of Light.
O'Shea's back four colleagues Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite have recovered from the knocks which kept them out of Sunday's 3-1 FA Cup third round victory over Carlisle and could feature.
However, goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) and defender Carlos Cuellar (hip) remain on the sidelines.
Man U
Moyes is expected to recall a number of big names for the trip to Wearside.
Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and David de Gea are all set to return after sitting out Sunday's shock FA Cup home defeat by Swansea.
Robin van Persie (thigh) and Phil Jones (knee) are unlikely to be involved.
Marouane Fellaini (wrist), Ashley Young (shoulder) and Nani (hamstring) are definitely out, Fabio starts a three-match ban and Rio Ferdinand faces a spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee at the weekend.
Newcastle United and Sunderland fans unite to oppose Tyne-Wear derby day police plans
Groups including Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust, nufc.com, Roker Report, The Mag, True Faith and Wise Men Say fight travel restrictions
An unlikely alliance of Newcastle United and Sunderland fans have launched a campaign against the decision to make the upcoming Tyne-Wear derby a “bubble” match.
Groups, fanzines, podcasts and websites A Love Supreme, Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust, nufc.com, Ready To Go, Roker Report, Seventy3, The Mag, True Faith and Wise Men Say, with the backing of the Football Supporters’ Federation, have come together to express anger that Black Cats fans will not be allowed to make their own way to the match on February 1.
Instead Northumbria Police have arranged that Sunderland fans will be forced to travel to and from St James’ Park on designated supporter coaches.
In a joint statement the campaigners said that bubble matches “place huge restrictions on an individual’s freedom of movement and can cause massive problems for fans travelling from areas other than the town or city of the club they support.“This is about more than travel logistics though – it’s about a decision which effectively labels every travelling fan a potentially violent hooligan,” they said.“There’s no disputing that there was disorder outside St James’ Park after the derby in April 2013. However, the vast majority of those arrested were mindless idiots who hadn’t even been to the match.
“There is absolutely no place for violence at football and as match-going fans we don’t want hooligans in football grounds.“However, Northumbria Police’s decision to enforce a bubble match goes against that principle. Bubble matches punish the vast majority of law-abiding, match-going fans, because of the actions of the few.“This decision is alienating the very fans that Northumbria Police and Sunderland AFC say they are trying to protect. It’s an own goal.“The north east derby can produce a fantastic, white hot atmosphere, but rivalry and hatred don’t have to go hand-in-hand.”
While the restrictions only affect Sunderland fans this season the campaigners said they fear it sets a precedent which could be extended to Newcastle United’s travelling support in future years.
Martyn McFadden, editor of Sunderland fanzine A Love Supreme, said: “This decision is fundamentally wrong and an attack on law abiding football fans. We are not animals and should be able to choose an appropriate mode of transport to travel to matches.
“The only positive to come from this scenario is that fans from both clubs have come together to oppose this.”Michael Martin, editor of Newcastle United fanzine True Faith, agreed: “Things have taken quite a surreal turn as, for once, we totally agree with Sunderland fans on something. This is a disgraceful decision.”
“The civil liberties of supporters are all too often forgotten in the bureaucracy of modern football,” added Stephen Goldsmith, of the Wise Men Say podcast.
“We believe supporters of both clubs should be shown the respect they deserve and be given the right to make their way to the Tyne-Wear derby as they see fit.
“The authorities have an opportunity to work with supporters of both clubs to come to the only correct conclusion and remove this restriction.”
Biffa, from NUFC.com, said: “As recently as 1997, Tyne-Wear derby games were played out with no official away presence and the concept of ‘bubble’ policing represents a partial return to those unenlightened days.
“The antics of the infamous ‘horse puncher’ and the consequent media frenzy following last season’s Tyneside derby meeting have triggered a clampdown on travelling fans mostly unaware of and unaffected by those events.
“In short, this is a punishment for those who have committed no crime.”
Mark Jensen, editor of The Mag, agreed: “Everybody understands the need to try and ensure the safety of fans attending a football match but this goes too far because of the actions of a small number of people, most of who didn’t even go to the last derby at St.James’ Park.
“A dangerous precedent will be set if the ‘bubble’ plan goes ahead and the authorities be seen to have washed their hands as to their responsibilities to the law-abiding, overwhelming majority.”
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Fleetwood: Sunderland's Mikael Mandron signs on loan
Fleetwood Town have signed Sunderland youngster Mikael Mandron on loan until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old French striker made two substitute appearances for the Black Cats in the Premier League last season, but has not played a game this term.
"I am really excited to discover football in the Football League and hopefully be able to play in the first team," he told the Fleetwood website.
"I'll give my best here and work as hard as possible to get in the team."
Mandron netted 12 goals in 13 games for Sunderland's Under-18 team in 2012-13 and has stepped up their Under-21 side this season, scoring six in seven appearances.
Danny Welbeck is relishing tonight’s trip to Sunderland, the club that nurtured his growth while on loan at the Stadium of Light during the 2010/11 season.
At 19, United’s Academy graduate temporarily joined the Black Cats under the management of Reds legend Steve Bruce and scored six goals in 28 appearances, helping secure a 10th place finish in the Premier League – the club’s highest since 2001.
Since then, Welbeck has become a star for club and country and is now looking forward to facing his old club during this evening's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg.
“I really enjoyed my time at Sunderland,” Danny told ManUtd.com. “The fans were great, the stadium is great and it's such a family club. I really enjoyed it and it'll be good to go back. Sunderland is where I learned my trade, getting games in the Premier League and scoring goals. I really enjoyed my time there and it will be a good occasion to go back, especially because it is a semi-final and we could get to Wembley.
“These are going to be two difficult and exciting games. It is home and away and we fancy ourselves against anyone. We have got to go into the games with confidence and the right mentality, trying to get the win.”
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Preview: Sunderland
Date, time and coverage: Tuesday 7 January, 19:45 GMT. Live TV coverage in the UK on Sky. Follow the action live via ManUtd.com's rolling blog and MUTV Online's radio commentary.
Form guide: After elimination from the FA Cup on Sunday against Swansea, Manchester United will hope for a much better outcome in the Capital One Cup. The semi-final first leg match provides an opportunity to not only get back to winning ways but also to move a step closer to securing a Wembley trip on 2 March. Unlike the Reds, Sunderland progressed to the FA Cup fourth round - their 3-1 home win over Carlisle at the weekend capped a reasonably successful festive period for the Black Cats. Nine days after knocking out Chelsea to set up the semi with United, they claimed an impressive away league win over Everton on Boxing Day.
Ins and outs: The Reds are suffering from something of a minor injury crisis at the moment. First-choice strikers Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie were ruled out of the Swansea match, as were Phil Jones, Rafael, Nani, Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young. Rio Ferdinand was hurt during that game and the man who replaced him, Fabio, is suspended after his dismissal. Sunderland's absentees include Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar and goalkeeper Keiran Westwood who are nursing a hip and shoulder injury respectively.
Last meeting: A certain Adnan Januzaj made a name for himself, scoring two superb goals to bag all three points for the Reds in a 2-1 league win at the Stadium of Light on 5 October.
Betting: United are firm favourites with bwin to take the spoils in the Tuesday evening clash, priced at 1.70 with Sunderland coming in at 5.00 and the draw at 3.60. Why not take a punt on Adnan Januzaj repeating his October heroics? He’s at 8.70 to open the scoring.
Did you know? The semi-final against Sunderland will be the Reds' 12th consecutive cup tie against a fellow Barclays Premier League side. The last time United played a team from outside the top flight was in November 2011 when Wilfried Zaha and Crystal Palace (then in the Championship) pulled off a shock 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in the League Cup.
The manager: The recently appointed Gus Poyet has steadied the ship at Sunderland to a certain extent after the erraticism of Paulo Di Canio threatened to leave the Black Cats well adrift of the Barclays Premier League survival places. The Wearside club still remain rooted to the foot of the table but have shown signs in recent weeks that staying up is far from beyond them.
Star man: Recently linked to a big move to Juventus, midfield playmaker Emanuele Giaccherini could prove to be a tricky customer for the Reds' defence. Sunderland's joint-top goalscorer on three goals, United fans may remember the fine save he forced from David De Gea back in October, a stop that legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel described as 'one of the best in Premier League history'.
Quote/unquote: “I watched Sunderland beat Chelsea and not only are they fighting for Gus Poyet but he has also got them playing some good football. It will be a more difficult game than people
will imagine on Tuesday.” – Jonny Evans.
Whistle blower: Andre Marriner will take charge of this cup tie. The West Midlands-born referee last presided over a match involving the Reds only last month, in the home defeat to Newcastle.
Rivals watch: Crosstown rivals Manchester City play the first leg of their semi-final a day later than United, at home to West Ham on Wednesday evening.
All supporters can buy tickets for the second leg at Old Trafford now. Tickets for under-16s are priced at just £5 each (with an accompanying adult). Buy online or by calling 0161 868 8000.
Manchester United manager David Moyes braced for Sunderland battle as pressure grows
Under-fire Manchester United manager David Moyes insists he will not be treating Tuesday's Capital One Cup semi-final at Sunderland any differently just because his side were dumped out of the FA Cup.
The two-legged encounter with Gus Poyet's side has taken on 'must-win' proportions given it is United's only realistic chance of domestic silverware this term.
United are off the pace in the Premier League and were eliminated from FA Cup competition at the third round stage for only the second time in three decades on Sunday, and Moyes is under pressure on Tuesday night.
But he said: "Our approach to Sunderland had to have the FA Cup game in mind because it was two matches in 48 hours.
"It has always been vital for us to win every game and get to every final if we can. There is a job in front of us in every competition we enter. We have got to overcome Sunderland in a two-game match to reach the final.
"It will be a difficult game and difficult to judge exactly how the first leg will go. But we will try to get ourselves to the cup final if we can."
Moyes will bring back some senior men who sat the Swansea match out.
Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic should all return, at a stroke providing some much-needed experience.
And whilst Wayne Rooney is troubled by a groin problem, the mere fact he was able to play against Tottenham on New Year's Day suggests he will push himself through a game of even more importance.
The unknown is Robin van Persie, who did appear to be nearing a return after a thigh problem, but about whose comeback Moyes spoke in negative terms at the weekend, when the Scot claimed not to know when his key striker may reappear.
Even without the back-to-back Golden Boot winner, United are still expected to overcome a side they have already beaten this term, thanks to the first two goals of Adnan Januzaj's fledgling Old Trafford career.
Watch Sunderland take on Manchester United live on Sky Sports 1 tonight, with coverage from 7.30pm.
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Capital One Cup: Sunderland v Manchester United match preview
Having lost their first two games of 2014, Manchester United will be hoping to return to form when they face Sunderland tonight in the first leg of their Capital One Cup Semi Final.
David Moyes’ squad has been a shadow of the team they were last season as they now sit seventh in the Premier League and were also knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend to Swansea. At this stage of the season last year, United were 7 points clear at the top of the league.
Their League Cup form is promising however, as they have yet to concede a goal in the competition. Gus Poyet’s Sunderland, currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with 14 points. There might be a reason for optimism within the Black Cats squad as they have lost only once in their last seven games.
With United’s hopes of a successive Premier League title quickly fading, and their recent exit from the FA Cup, David Moyes is running out of domestic trophies to win, which should make for an exciting League Cup Semi Final.
KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS:
Sunderland 1 (Gardner) Manchester United 2 (Januzaj (2)), Premier League, October 2013
Sunderland 0 Manchester United 1 (Bramble), Premier League, March 2013
Manchester United 3 (Van Persie, Cleverley, Rooney) Sunderland 1 (Campbell), Premier League, December 2012
STATS:
Sunderland have gone 20 games without a win against Manchester United in all competitions.
United's last defeat on Wearside was a 2-1 League Cup defeat after extra-time at the Stadium of Light in November 2000.
Gus Poyet's side have won all five of their home ties in both League Cup and FA Cup this season, with four of those inside 90 minutes.
Manchester United are yet to concede a goal in their three League Cup ties so far.
ODDS:
Sunderland to win: 4.75
Manchester United to win: 1.72
Draw: 3.3
TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 7.45pm, highlights on BBC 1 on Wednesday at 11.15pm
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Vidic, O’Shea fit for Sunderland v Man Utd clash
INSPIRATIONAL defender Nemanja Vidic is expected to return to Manchester United’s starting line-up for the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final against Sunderland.
The 32-year-old was not even on the bench for United’s FA Cup third round defeat to Swansea City on Sunday.
But with the Red Devils needing a morale-boosting result at the Stadium of Light, the classy Serbian has been told to expect an immediate recall.
United boss David Moyes finds himself under scrutiny after back-to-back defeats for the club at Old Trafford – the club has not lost three games in a row since 2001.
And Moyes is looking to field the strongest side available to him at Sunderland, to prevent that happening.
As well as Vidic, instant recalls are expected for first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea and skipper and left-back Patrice Evra, after both were rested for the Swansea game.
Tyneside-born midfielder Michael Carrick should also return to the side, while utility man Phil Jones has a chance of being involved after missing the last four games with a knee injury.
Moyes’ main problems remain up front, with fitness concerns over Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
Marouane Fellaini and Nani are thought to have no chance of being involved, while Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Young and Rafael da Silva are doubts.
Fabio da Silva is starting a three-match ban after his red card against Swansea.
By contrast, Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has almost a full squad to choose from, with only Keiren Westwood and Carlos Cuellar definitely out.
Poyet was short of three centre-halves for Sunday’s FA Cup game against Carlisle United but all three – John O’Shea, Modibo Diakite and Valentin Roberge – are expected to be available for selection for the visit of the reigning Premier League champions.
He told the Echo: “John’s shoulder problem is now healed and he is fine.
“Valentin had a problem with his back after the Aston Villa game which meant he couldn’t really train for three days but he is fine too.
“And Modibo Diakite had a tightness in his groin which has sorted itself out now – so whereas for the Carlisle game I only had one centre-half, Wes Brown, I’ve now got four to choose from.
“We have virtually a full-strength squad and we were able to rest quite a few players, the way the Carlisle game worked out, so we have no excuses in that direction for the visit of Man United.
“We just have to go out and make sure we perform.”
GUS Poyet says Sunderland fans should not mistake a lack of new arrivals as a sign that constant transfer work is not going on behind the scenes at the club.
The Black Cats boss signalled ahead of the January transfer window that he wanted to bring in three or four new faces as quickly as possible. And on the eve of the window re-opening, the club announced the signing on a season-long loan of Fiorentina left-back Marcos Alonso.
Since then though it has all gone quiet and although Poyet has insisted that he will not give details away of the players he is trying to sign, he has revealed that everything is being done that can be done to bring in new signings.
“There is a lot happening,” he told the Echo. “But I’m afraid there is nothing to actually report.
“I will say that it is very difficult – you could not imagine.
“People think you just go to a chairman, get a telephone number of a player, ring him and then buy him.
“But it’s not like that, it’s not like going to a supermarket and buying something. There are so many things that need to come together – the player, the money, the club, the transfer window and so on.
“So that’s what we are working on, making lots of calls, doing lots of work but things just don’t come together straight away and although that’s frustrating, we can only accept it.”
As well as bringing players in, Sunderland are looking to move a few on. But Poyet revealed: “It’s the same problem – getting players out is exactly the same, very complicated. And a lots of clubs might come calling for a player that you don’t want to give away but no-one comes for the ones who you do want to give away!
“It’s tough and you have to be patient but you also have to keep working away it and I can assure fans that that’s exactly what we are doing.”
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Gray: Sunderland must go for it against Man Utd
MICHAEL Gray says Sunderland must avoid an inferiority complex when Premier League champions Manchester United come to the Stadium of Light tonight.
The Red Devils will be looking to crush the Wearsiders in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final this evening in a bid to make the return leg at Old Trafford a formality.
And Gray says if Sunderland are to prosper, it is essential that they play with confidence and intent on home turf.
He told the Echo: “Outside of Sunderland, not many people will be giving us a chance and I can understand that.
“But I don’t see any reason why Sunderland can’t do well providing they play with self-belief and are ready to take the game to United.
“United will come to the Stadium of Light looking for a win, because that’s what they do whether they are home or away.
“They will not be looking to play with caution, they will play their usual attacking game and look to win the game confidently.
“It’s been a tough time for David Moyes and Manchester United recently but they’ll know if they can get a big win at Sunderland, it will quieten the critics – they will have that as an extra incentive.
“But from a Sunderland point of view, I think it’s important they recognise it is going to be tough but then go out and give it a real go.
“With a striker like Steven Fletcher in your side, you’ve always got a chance of scoring, while players like Adam Johnson, Craig Gardner and Seb Larsson have that ability to nick goals from set-pieces.
“I think the patient, passing football Gus Poyet has them playing has helped build confidence within the team.
“But when they’re attacking, especially in a cup game where momentum is everything, I think it’s important that they make maybe one or two less passes around the opposition penalty area and make sure they get their shots in.”
While Gray points out that in a cup-tie anything can happen, and predictions are usually futile, he is convinced that Sunderland have to give a good account of themselves at home if they are to retain realistic hopes of a first appearance at Wembley since the play-off final of 1998, in which he played a famous role.
He was also involved in Sunderland’s last League Cup semi-final, when Sunderland lost over two legs to Martin O’Neill’s Leicester City in 1999 and he recalled: “The home leg at the Stadium of Light was the crucial one.”
Peter Reid’s men lost the home leg 2-1, with Tony Cottee getting two goals and Grant McCann pulling one back.
And even though Niall Quinn scored at Filbert Street to briefly raise hopes, Cottee pounced again and Sunderland went out after the 1-1 draw.
Gray recalled: “It’s one of the biggest disappointments of my whole career because we had a great team then, a great team and I would love to have seen able to raise a trophy at Wembley.
“What cost us was the home tie, we never really did ourselves justice that night and though we were by far the better team in the return leg, we’d left ourselves too much to do.
“That’s why I think that Sunderland have to go for it a little at the Stadium of Light tonight.
“I know United are still Premier League champions but they’ve shown a few vulnerabilities in recent games and I think it’s vital that Sunderland genuinely test them at the Stadium of Light.
“If they’ve got a fighting chance at Old Trafford on the return, it could be some second leg.”
Gray will be on radio duty in the Press Box for tonight’s game and hopes he will be commentating on a famous cup night for the Wearsiders.
He said: “I love cup football. I was lucky to go to Wembley in 1992 as part of the youth team at Sunderland and was able to watch the game and really enjoy the experience.
“That was a great cup run with Johnny Byrne scoring in every round up to the final and the fans loved it.
“I know it has been a tough season for Sunderland supporters so far, but I know they’ll enjoy the occasion this evening and I know how much they will get behind the team.
“The cups have been good to them this season, I only hope it continues that way tonight.”
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Sunderland boss: Raise the roof against Manchester United
GUS Poyet wants to give Sunderland fans another cup tie to savour at the Stadium of Light when Manchester United visit for the first leg semi-final of the Capital One Cup.
And he hopes supporters turn up in their numbers to raise the decibel levels for a game in which the Black Cats will need all the help they can get.
United arrive on Wearside lagging in the Premier League title race, freshly out of the FA Cup and having lost their last two games.
Sunderland by contrast have lost only one of their last six matches and are undefeated in cup competition this season.
But Poyet knows that United will be firm favourites to progress to the Wembley final in March, despite those statistics and is looking for the fans to play their part.
He said: “For sure this is a game in which the fans can make a difference because you get fantastic atmospheres in cup games – when they are night matches especially – and I know our fans will be making a lot of noise.
“That will be great for our players, who are already feeling good after the win over Carlisle.
“I know that we are underdogs for Man United but we were underdogs against Chelsea in the last round and look what happened there .”
Ultimately though, Poyet says it will come down to the players themselves to determine what progress can be made.
“What I will say, is that we will have to play well,” he insisted. “We have to play well. Sometimes in the cups, in the early rounds, you can play badly and get through.
“But that’s not the case in the later rounds when you are playing top sides looking at a final. There’s no such thing as an easy semi-final.
“The idea is that you go out there and perform well over two legs to get to the final.
“To have hopes of that, we have to do everything as well as we can.”
Kick off, for Sunderland’s first League Cup semi-final since 1999, is 7.45pm..
Tickets are priced at £20 for adults and just £5 for under 16s and over 65s.
Supporters can purchase tickets in person at the Stadium of Light ticket office, which is open until kick-off.
Cash turnstiles will be operating for home supporters with numbers 35, 36, 50, 51, 61 and 62 open from 6.15pm with admission prices remaining at £20 and £5 for concessions.
Phil Bardsley or Ryan Giggs OG TBC (45 mins)
The game needed a goal, and there it is! Seb Larsson whips in a free-kick to the back post, Wes Brown gets totally free at the back post to put it back across goal and Phil Bardsley stabs it in! On second viewing, was that a Ryan Giggs own goal? It was indeed, the veteran tackled Bardsley and steered the ball over the line from a few yards out.
Live Text Commentary
45:00 +2:37 Half time
Half Time
First Half ends, Sunderland 0, Manchester United 0. 45:00 +0:43 Foul by Jonny Evans (Manchester United). 45:00 +0:43 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 43:43 Patrice Evra (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 43:43 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 42:27 Attempt missed. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Ryan Giggs with a cross following a corner. 42:01 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Wes Brown. 39:07 Attempt saved. Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 37:27 Offside, Manchester United. Adnan Januzaj tries a through ball, but Ryan Giggs is caught offside. 35:41 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 35:41 Foul by Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United). 34:57 Foul by Steven Fletcher (Sunderland). 34:57 Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 32:57 Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 32:57 Foul by Luis Antonio Valencia (Manchester United). 32:49 Attempt blocked. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Danny Welbeck. 30:43 Attempt missed. Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Patrice Evra. 30:26 Hand ball by Steven Fletcher (Sunderland). 24:57 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 24:55 Attempt blocked. Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Michael Carrick.
23:56 Foul by Marcos Alonso (Sunderland). 23:56 Rafael (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 23:24 Booking
Booking
Patrice Evra (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card for hand ball. 23:22 Hand ball by Patrice Evra (Manchester United). 23:10 Attempt blocked. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 22:13 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 22:13 Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 20:50 Marcos Alonso (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 20:50 Foul by Luis Antonio Valencia (Manchester United). 17:42 Attempt saved. Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Tom Cleverley. 14:46 Foul by Fabio Borini (Sunderland). 14:46 Patrice Evra (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 14:40 Attempt blocked. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 13:16 Foul by Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland). 13:16 Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the left wing. 11:59 Attempt missed. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Steven Fletcher. 9:48 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Phillip Bardsley. 8:32 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the right wing. 8:32 Foul by Danny Welbeck (Manchester United). 0:00
First Half begins. 0:00 Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
"Sunderland put in a tremendous performance tonight. Everyone will talk about Manchester United and the players they missed but Sunderland did the job they were there to do. They played some very good football but Manchester United, other than Januzaj created absolutely nothing."
Manchester United lost a third game in a row for the first time since 2001 as Sunderland took a precious one-goal advantage into the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg.
Fabio Borini's penalty gave the hosts the edge after Tom Cleverley was controversially penalised for a challenge on Adam Johnson.
Ryan Giggs' own goal in first-half injury time gave Sunderland the lead.
Nemanja Vidic levelled with a towering header soon after the restart.
Live Text Commentary
Full time
Full Time
Match ends, Sunderland 2, Manchester United 1. 90:00 +5:45 Full time
Full Time
Second Half ends, Sunderland 2, Manchester United 1. 90:00 +3:51 Booking
Booking
Vito Mannone (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card. 90:00 +2:28 Attempt missed. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. 90:00 +1:16 Foul by Michael Carrick (Manchester United). 90:00 +1:16 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick on the left wing. 90:00 +0:39 Attempt missed. Michael Carrick (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Darren Fletcher following a corner. 90:00 +0:14 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Fabio Borini. 90:00 +0:08 Attempt blocked. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ryan Giggs. 89:19 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Wes Brown. 86:45 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester United. Javier Hernández replaces Luis Antonio Valencia. 84:09 Attempt saved. Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. 83:44 Rafael (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 83:44 Foul by Marcos Alonso (Sunderland). 82:39 Booking
Booking
Chris Smalling (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card for hand ball. 82:36 Hand ball by Chris Smalling (Manchester United). 81:02 Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 81:02 Foul by Wes Brown (Sunderland). 79:35 Attempt missed. Patrice Evra (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Darren Fletcher. 78:01 Attempt missed. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Luis Antonio Valencia with a cross.
76:41 Booking
Booking
Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 76:30 Rafael (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 76:30 Foul by Jozy Altidore (Sunderland). 75:53 Attempt missed. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Darren Fletcher with a headed pass. 74:47 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by Nemanja Vidic. 73:47 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester United. Darren Fletcher replaces Tom Cleverley. 72:36 Attempt blocked. Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Michael Carrick. 71:30 Delay over. They are ready to continue. 71:18 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Jozy Altidore replaces Steven Fletcher because of an injury. 70:32 Delay in match Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) because of an injury. 70:08 Foul by Danny Welbeck (Manchester United). 70:08 Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 69:04 Attempt missed. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Danny Welbeck. 68:30 Attempt missed. Adam Johnson (Sunderland) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Sebastian Larsson. 65:11 Foul by Rafael (Manchester United). 65:11 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 64:00 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 2, Manchester United 1. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the top right corner. 62:56 Booking
Booking
Rafael (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card. 62:37 Penalty conceded by Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) after a foul in the penalty area. 62:37 Penalty Sunderland. Adam Johnson draws a foul in the penalty area. 61:30 Corner, Sunderland. Conceded by David de Gea. 61:29 Attempt saved. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. 60:54 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Manchester United. Chris Smalling replaces Jonny Evans because of an injury. 59:18 Booking
Booking
Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. 59:04 Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 59:04 Foul by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland). 58:07 Attempt missed. Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) right footed shot from outside the box is too high from a direct free kick. 57:14 Foul by Rafael (Manchester United). 57:14 Fabio Borini (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 56:22 Attempt missed. Fabio Borini (Sunderland) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Steven Fletcher with a headed pass. 55:51 Substitution
Substitution
Substitution, Sunderland. Adam Johnson replaces Emanuele Giaccherini. 54:39 Hand ball by Tom Cleverley (Manchester United). 54:13 Attempt saved. Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Michael Carrick. 52:05 Foul by Ryan Giggs (Manchester United). 52:05 Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 51:22 Goal scored
Goal!
Goal! Sunderland 1, Manchester United 1. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) header from very close range to the top right corner. Assisted by Tom Cleverley with a cross following a corner. 50:57 Corner, Manchester United. Conceded by Steven Fletcher. 50:13 Booking
Booking
Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) is shown the yellow card for hand ball. 50:02 Hand ball by Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland). 48:13 Foul by Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United). 48:13 Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. 47:20 Luis Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) wins a free kick on the right wing. 47:20 Foul by Marcos Alonso (Sunderland). 47:04 Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) wins a free kick in the attacking half. 47:04 Foul by Lee Cattermole (Sunderland). 45:00
Second Half begins Sunderland 1, Manchester United 0.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 17:07
does anyone remember the last time we (Man Utd) lost 4 matches on the trot in all competitions?? I'm travelling all the way from malta to watch Man Utd vs swansea this weekend and would like to know the odds of it NOT happening hopefully...... don't feel like being on the wrong end of a Man united stats, maybe next season picking a new team as well.
Sunderland target Liam Bridcutt hands transfer request to Brighton after they reject £2.5m bid
Scotland midfielder tries to force the issue and set up a reunion with former Seagulls boss Gus Poyet at the Premier League's bottom club
Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt has handed in a transfer request.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has already made a £2.5million offer to the south coast club - who sacked him as manager at the end of last season - for the 24-year-old Scotland international.
But the Seagulls, who are again chasing promotion to the Premier League after losing in the playoffs under Poyet, have been reluctant to sell to the Black Cats.
Now Bridcutt is trying to force the issue - and clearly wants to rejoin his old boss in the North East to try to keep rock-bottom Sunderland in the Premier League.
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Brighton's Liam Bridcutt hands in transfer request in attempt to secure Sunderland move
BRIGHTON midfielder Liam Bridcutt has handed in a transfer request in a bid to push through a move that would see him reunited with former boss Gus Poyet at Sunderland.
Poyet has already offered £2.5m for Bridcutt, who was Player of the Year twice in a row under the Uruguayan boss, but Brighton have rebuffed the Black Cats attempts to take the 24-year-old to the Stadium of Light.
The rejected deal is thought to have included additional payments based on performance that could have seen the fee rise to £5m.
But the Seagulls see Bridcutt as an important part of their promotion push this season and are reticent to see the player leave.
But the Scottish international is seemingly determined to join Poyet in the North East and has handed in a transfer request to force the issue.
Sunderland are reportedly preparing to offload Connor Wickham to Nottingham Forest to help fund a move for Bridcutt.
Wickham has been on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, where he has scored seven goals in nine games, prompting Forest's attempt to try and sign the England Under-21 international on a permanent deal.
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Transfer news: Brighton's Liam Bridcutt hands in transfer request
Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt has handed in a transfer request as former boss Gus Poyet tries to take him to Sunderland.
Sky sources understand the 24-year-old Scot has asked to leave the Championship club as the Black Cats continue to try and negotiate a double deal for him and winger Will Buckley.
Poyet has refused to discuss his January targets in public, but the 46-year-old Uruguayan is known to admire a man he took to the Amex Stadium in August 2010.
Whether or not former Chelsea trainee Bridcutt's move will persuade Brighton, who declined to comment on the matter on Tuesday evening, to part with one of their most prized assets remains to be seen.
Poyet has already signed Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso on loan for the remainder of the season, but hopes to bring in up to four more players before the end of the month.
Sunderland currently sit bottom of the table - four points from safety - with just 14 points from their opening 20 games.
I see Moyes is blaming the refs. Again. That excuse is starting to feel like a millstone, What is very telling at the moment is how the media have turned. Their knives are sharpened, and Moyes is in their sights. Despite my enjoyment of the apparent decline of United (no apologies, it's great to see), seeing the fickle, sycophantic, gutless press turn on a person is no fun at all.
The crazy thing is that United can still rescue this season(relatively speaking), and I am taking nothing for granted.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 18:17
Cost of Moyes' contract - £25m
Cost of Fellaini - £27m
Cost of patching up team - £100m+
Cost of missing out on Champions League - £150m
Cost of servicing Glazer debt pa - £60m
Ferguson & Charlton's expressions - Priceless
Somethings in life are too precious; for everything else, there's David Moyes
Name:
LFC!R5WeHKv5KY2014-01-07 18:20
It's a shame the game was overshadowed by the Man Utd fans throwing lit flares at the Sunderland fans where no doubt there were women and children just trying to enjoy a game of football.
It's about time the FA did something about the Man Utd hooligans who are in danger of moving from 2nd to 1st in the hooligan arrest league table.
Thank god there were no serious injuries!!
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 18:23
>>747 I was reading that Manu blokes are using their 'children' to smuggle car flares in the games.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 18:25
"It is difficult we just need to keep going. We didn't do a lot wrong. I thought the referee was going to blow in our direction for the first goal. I couldn't believe he gave a free kick. It was a terrible decision.
"We are all just laughing at them at the minute. We get a player booked for doing the same. It looks as though we are having to play them [officials] as well as the opposition at the moment.
"I thought the players, our crowd were unbelievable, the players deserved to get a result. It's a two legged game and I am really looking forward to the second leg."
David Moyes Post Match Interview
David Moyes has already done that in his interview with 5L ! Claims Johnson dived and that the Sunderland free kick for their first was not a foul. God they miss Howard Webb.
Name:
Schadenfreude!NISVI3q4cI2014-01-07 18:28
>>749 This is like watching the Bull elephant slowly dying on the serenget plain, the once invulnerable master of his domain reduced to wallowing in the dust struggling as the hyenas and vultures swoop to take a bite, slowly the mastodon dies bite by bite, aware to the last as it's mighty skeleton is stripped bare.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 18:31
Don't forget the contribution of all those officials over the years , Fergie time will now go as it's more likely the opponents will score near the end
Sunderland 2 Manchester United 1: match report
Read a full match report of the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg between Sunderland and Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
This was an atrocious, lifeless, shapeless performance from Manchester United, who have now lost three games in a row for the first time since 2001. Where was the fight? Where was that old swagger? Where was the refusal to accept defeat?
This was embarrassing from United and David Moyes.
Sunderland’s players were hungrier, better organised and, even on a cold evening, left the field with their shirts soaked in sweat. With Sir Alex Ferguson watching on, Moyes looked powerless to influence the game.
It is only half-time in this Capital One Cup semi-final but United’s players will need to raise their game immeasurably in the second leg in a fortnight. It was an indictment of United’s performance that they were painfully reliant on an 18-year-old Adnan Januzaj.
United’s supporters sang in support of Moyes, and the Old Trafford board remains supportive of the new man, but he urgently needs to invigorate the players, and also draft some new talent in.
The 40-year-old Ryan Giggs conceded an own goal but United clawed their way back into it with an equaliser from Nemanja Vidic, whose agent earlier in the day had told Radio Crc in Naples that his client was “a very good player and will have no trouble finding a new club. For the time being we are remaining calm. However, at the moment, I would rule out an extension with Manchester United”.
Vidic was well placed to deal with Adam Johnson’s run into the box after 64 minutes but Tom Cleverley conceded a penalty with a stupid challenge, going in with his right foot when it was crying out for a tackle with the left. Cleverley tangled with Johnson, and Fabio Borini thundered the penalty in.
United fans kept singing but this was another dispiriting display. For Sunderland, their fans celebrated wildly at the final whistle, loving the gutsy defiance of their players.
Gus Poyet had selected an attacking line-up with Ki Sung-yueng and Sebastian Larsson supporting Steven Fletcher with Borini cutting in from the left and Emanuele Giaccherini working the right.
It was an adventurous approach, continuing in the second half with the introduction of the superb Johnson, indicative of a desire to exploit any nerves in the visitors’ ranks.
Sunderland actually did not play particularly well in the first half but still turned around in front, courtesy of the Giggs own goal.
United were still missing Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie while Rio Ferdinand had also fallen lame with a knee injury and is expected to be out for two weeks. The away following were strong in their support for Moyes but were given only moments of hope from their team before the Vidic equaliser early in the second half.
United started slowly, Patrice Evra and Giggs making mistakes in possession. The only promise was supplied by Januzaj, who mixed up occasional runs down the left with shimmies through the middle. Fouled by Lee Cattermole, Januzaj took the free-kick that flew into the wall. Moments later, Giggs saw his shot deflect off Phil Bardsley on to the bar.
Bardsley was standing up well to United’s intermittent threats.
From one Danny Welbeck run angled right, Januzaj made quick ground through the middle, taking the ball from the England striker. Januzaj went left, cutting into the box, looking to take on Cattermole. Suddenly, Januzaj tried to curl the ball in but Bardsley headed clear. Back came Januzaj again, firing a shot that hit Giggs in an offside position, and his follow-up was ruled out.
Up in the top tier containing the away fans, there was brief belief that the goal stood and a red flare came down, narrowly missing the Sunderland fans. The home supporters were enraged, gesticulating up at the top tier as police arrived and then a steward took the burning pyrotechnic and placed it in a box.
United can expect a call from the FA and the possibility of their allocation cut on their next visit.
United had brought a substantial following. But the sight of many empty seats elsewhere told a story as much of financial hardship endured by many in the area as feelings towards the Sunderland team.
A third home game in six days had drained pockets; for those who travel to watch Sunderland, the five away games in December and January will have cost £192 in tickets (as well as 2,390 miles), compared to the £215 for the nine home fixtures.
The team’s spirits, if not their league position, have been lifted immeasurably by Poyet.
They weathered a flurry of United pressure, including a Vidic header wide, before taking a brief lead before half-time.
After Jonny Evans fouled Steven Fletcher, Larsson lifted in a free-kick and the goal was a blur of United past and present. Wes Brown headed across and Giggs turned the ball in under pressure from Bardsley.
Moyes must have got into his players at half-time. They emerged early, hungry for the equaliser. Steven Fletcher headed a Giggs free-kick away for a corner. Cleverley took responsibility for the dead-ball situation, curling the ball in. Brown was too sluggish to deal with Vidic, who headed home. Another flare was lit in the away end.
Sunderland responded. David De Gea saved from Larsson. Poyet had sent on Johnson, who was jeered for his City connections by the visiting fans but soon made United pay.
Running in from the right, Johnson cut into the box and went down under a stupid challenge from Cleverley. The only surprise was that Andre Marriner took so long to point to the spot.
Borini took charge, thumping the ball high into the net. Rafael was cautioned for dissent and should then have been given a second yellow when fouling Borini.
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Capital One Cup: Sunderland defeat Manchester United 2-1 in semi-final first leg
Sunderland increased the pressure on beleaguered Manchester United manager David Moyes with a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.
The Black Cats claimed their first victory over United since November 2000 thanks to Fabio Borini's second-half penalty at the Stadium of Light as the Red Devils suffered a third consecutive defeat in all competitions, their worst run since May 2001.
Borini fired high into David de Gea's net in the 64th minute on Tuesday night after Tom Cleverley was penalised for a clumsy challenge on substitute Adam Johnson as he burst into the box.
Sunderland took the lead on the stroke of half-time as Ryan Giggs could only turn the ball into his own net under pressure from Phil Bardsley after Wes Brown's pass following Seb Larsson's free-kick.
United equalised early in the second period as Nemanja Vidic headed home Cleverley's corner, but Borini's penalty means that more questions will be asked about Moyes' management, even though there is still time for redemption in the second leg at Old Trafford on January 22.
The tie, of course, is far from over and United, who were watched by their former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and director Sir Bobby Charlton, may approach the second leg confident of clawing back the deficit.
However, they have already lost five times at Old Trafford this season - to West Brom, Everton, Tottenham, Newcastle and Swansea - and Sunderland will travel dreaming of a first trip to the League Cup final since 1985.
Despite their lowly league standing, the Black Cats started confidently against a United side whose form had been indifferent leading into the game.
Debutant Marcos Alonso provided a useful outlet down the left, while Ki Sung-yueng's invention from central midfield kept the United rearguard on its toes.
But in truth, the home side never really threatened until the closing stages of the half, and it was the Red Devils, who took time to get going, who had the greater threat.
After Borini and Larsson had gone for goal from long distance at the other end, the visitors started to make an impact and nearly took the lead when Michael Carrick picked out Giggs in space and the Welshman was allowed to make ground before unleashing a shot which clipped Bardsley and crashed against the bar.
With Carrick starting to pull the strings and Patrice Evra and Januzaj finding space, United started to find their rhythm and Bardsley had to head away Januzaj's curling 33rd-minute shot as it arced toward the top corner.
The teenager thought he had made the breakthrough five minutes later when, after his initial effort had hit Giggs in front of goal, he rammed home the rebound.
However, an offside flag correctly ended his celebrations with Giggs having strayed beyond the last defender when he made his unwitting contribution.
Moyes' disappointment was to increase in injury time at the end of the first half when Brown turned Larsson's free-kick back across goal and Giggs bundled it under his own net under extreme pressure from Bardsley.
It took the visitors just seven minutes of the second half to restore parity, as Cleverley floated a corner to the far post and Vidic climbed high above Brown and John O'Shea to power a header home.
Sunderland, for whom Larsson had forced a fine save from De Gea minutes earlier, refused to succumb and they regained the lead when Cleverley tripped Johnson, with referee Andre Marriner awarding a penalty on the advice of assistant Peter Bankes.
United were furious but replays suggested it was rash from Cleverley and suitably punished, Rafael was booked for protesting - and was then fortunate to stay on the field after catching Borini soon after.
Borini sent the keeper the wrong way to put United on the back foot once again, and although the visitors threw men forward as time ran down, they rarely threatened to square the tie.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-07 19:33
Moyes will be fired either at the end of the season or even before. A team with the history of United will not put up with such mediocre results. There has been no improvement in United's play from the moment Moyes took over to now. If anything they have regressed and the team has regressed as a whole.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-08 10:11
WHY oh why Moyes is not bleeding the young ones. The GLAZIERS will not invest the income of Man United. they rather pocket the profits or invest in other ventures in the USA. The news that 200 millions is given for transfer kitty could just be an excuse to make fans happy. SAF should stay away from Old Trafford or at least ensure that money is available. SAF had made what Man United is now. No attempts to strengthen the center midfield and the centerback positions. Moyes bought FELLAINI at 27 million pounds. Included in that cost must have been the loyalty sum to Fellani that otherwise would have been borne by EVERTON. Smart business by Everton !
Now Moyes faces FA investigation after claiming United 'have to play' referees following Cup defeat at Sunderland [/i]
* United suffer third defeat in a week after losing to Spurs and Swansea
*Moyes rages at penalty decision as Sunderland win first leg
*Despite win Black Cats boss Poyet says United are favourites to progress[/i]
The Football Association will investigate Manchester United manager David Moyes' latest outburst against referees following Tuesday night's defeat to Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.
The 2-1 first leg loss was United's third defeat in a week - the first time this has happened since 1992 - and Moyes claimed afterwards his team are 'playing referees as well as the opposition.'
It follows on from Moyes saying it was 'scandalous' that United were not awarded a late penalty against Tottenham in a league defeat at Old Trafford on New Year's Day.
An FA spokesman said: 'We are looking into David Moyes' comments to the media following the match at Sunderland.'
After Fabio Borini's penalty consigned United to another defeat, Moyes said: 'After the first 15 minutes I thought we were very good. We defended a terrible free-kick, but how the referee has given a free-kick for that is way beyond me.
'I just cannot see how that is a free-kick. 'And the penalty? We had a player booked for that theother day against Tottenham. The referee is in a great position to look at it, down the line, 15 yards, and the linesman gives it from behind and he cannot see through Patrice Evra.
‘That is what we’re finding at the moment. The performance was good without having the last bit.
‘I have experience and I can sense it’s on the verge of turning. I sense we’re about to get a bit better.’
More than 5,000 Manchester United supporters were in the 31,547 crowd and Moyes paid tribute to them and Ferguson, who left the Stadium of Light through the Press room carrying a bottle of red wine.
Moyes added: ‘I can only see Alex as a great sounding board, a great help, and so is Sir Bobby Charlton, he is terrific. Bryan Robson is at the training ground regularly.
‘It’s great 5,000 came up tonight and they were fantastic throughout the game. They recognised how well their team had done for most of the game.
‘This hasn’t happened at Man United for a long time. I thought the support were great for sticking with their club, sticking with their manager and that is exactly what you need when you are not doing so well.
‘We need a couple of fair decisions. We had a couple of penalty kicks against Tottenham and we have one given against us tonight for that. My goodness, give me strength.’
Moyes will hope to have strikers Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie fit for the second leg.
But there is more concern for the manager with United captain Nemanja Vidic set to leave Old Trafford this summer after his agent said he is unlikely to sign a new contract.
Vidic’s four-year deal runs out at the end of the season and talks over a new one have stalled, with Italian clubs Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli monitoring the situation.
His agent Silvano Martina said: ‘At the moment, I would rule out an extension with Manchester United. Vidic, given his contract situation, has several teams looking at him.’
Tuesday night’s win for Sunderland was their first over United for 20 games. And manager Gus Poyet, whose side are bottom of the league, was at a loss to explain their excellent cup form.
He said: ‘It is something I need to find out why we beat top teams and are so clinical in the cup and can’t do the same in the league. That’s my job.
‘Are we favourites? No chance. They have Rooney and van Persie to come back. We are in a better situation but playing Man U away, anything can happen and we need another very good performance.’
Andre Marriner had no choice but to award Sunderland a penalty after his assistant Peter Bankes flagged that Tom Cleverley had tripped Adam Johnson just inside the penalty area.
A referee can over-rule his assistant but given the relative positions of the two officials that was not credible.
Although Cleverley’s contact was at most minimal, it was a silly challenge in a critical area and that forced Bankes to make a decision.
Perhaps it was harsh but Manchester United’s reaction was over the top, with Ryan Giggs shouting at Marriner and Rafael picking up a yellow card for his protest.
The Brazilian might well have seen red minutes later when making a rash tackle but Marriner wisely decided that the two offences did not merit a dismissal and left United with 11 players.
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United face FA wrath after fans set off flares during defeat at Stadium of Light
Manchester United face punishment from the FA after their supporters lit flares during the 2-1 Capital One Cup defeat at Sunderland.
Flares were lit in the away end at the Stadium of Light, with some being thrown into a section of home fans.
The FA announced on Wednesday that the flare incidents would be investigated. A spokesman said: 'We are contacting both clubs to seek their observations in relation to the use of flares last night.'
The visitors won't have been cheering by the end of the match, however, which saw United succumb to a third loss in a week.
Hot on the heels of a Premier League defeat by Spurs and being dumped out of the FA Cup by Swansea, Fabio Borini's penalty consigned David Moyes' men to another loss after Nemanja Vidic levelled Ryan Giggs' own goal.
Moyes vented his frustration at the penalty, which saw Adam Johnson fall under pressure from United midfielder Tom Cleverley.
Moyes said of referees: 'We're having to play them as well as the opposition at the moment. It's really terrible, it really is.
'We're actually beginning to laugh at them, that's the thing.'
Sunderland closing in on Argentine defender Santiago Vergini
The 25-year-old will join the Black Cats' battle to stay in the Premier League once he's agreed an exit from Estudiantes.
Sunderland are close to signing Argentine defender Santiago Vergini from Estudiantes de La Plata.
The 25-year-old centre-back won a national league title at Newell's Old Boys in June under now-Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino, but after just five months at Estudiantes he is closing in on a Premier League move.
The defender needs only to agree a pay-off with Estudiantes, thought to be in the region of £400,000, to settle the remaining six months of his contract at the Estadio Unico.
Sunderland sporting director Roberto De Fanti has extensive contacts in South America and last week turned down the opportunity to sign Vergini's former teammate, Argentina forward Ignacio Scocco.
But Gustavo Poyet is set to give the green light for the defender to sign an 18-month deal with an option for an extra year if the move is a success.
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Sunderland could revive interest in Ignacio Scocco as Gus Poyet looks for goals
The Black Cats were interested in the forward in July, and might take a second bite at the cherry
Sunderland have been offered forward Ignacio Scocco as they look to add some firepower to their side in January.
Director of Football Roberto De Fanti considered bringing Scocco in last summer but was put off by the £4million fee for a 28-year-old.
The forward instead joined Brazil's Internacional, but didn't settle and will be allowed to leave the club this winter.
The Porto Alegre club are willing to loan out the striker, who was top scorer in Argentina last season, and Scocco's representatives are hoping that the Black Cats will revive their interest.
A return to his homeland remains a possibility, but Inter want a permanent deal in the region of £3million that may be too costly for suitors River Plate and Racing Club.
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Sunderland target Liam Bridcutt hands transfer request to Brighton after they reject £2.5m bid
Scotland midfielder tries to force the issue and set up a reunion with former Seagulls boss Gus Poyet at the Premier League's bottom club
Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt has handed in a transfer request.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has already made a £2.5million offer to the south coast club - who sacked him as manager at the end of last season - for the 24-year-old Scotland international.
But the Seagulls, who are again chasing promotion to the Premier League after losing in the playoffs under Poyet, have been reluctant to sell to the Black Cats.
Now Bridcutt is trying to force the issue - and clearly wants to rejoin his old boss in the North East to try to keep rock-bottom Sunderland in the Premier League.
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Sunderland plot moves for Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt and QPR's Shaun Wright-Phillips
Black Cats boss Gus Poyet could go back to former club for the 24-year-old Scot and is also weighing up a move for out-of-favour QPR winger Wright-Phillips
Gus Poyet last night launched a raid on former club Brighton by making a £2.5million bid for Liam Bridcutt.
The Sunderland boss sees the midfielder as having Premier League potential and wants him in as soon as the transfer window opens.
Crystal Palace made a failed attempt to sign the 24-year-old last summer.
Poyet is also looking to sign QPR’s former England, Manchester City and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
The 32-year-old has not featured for Harry Redknapp’s Hoops since a 1-0 win at home to Charlton in mid November.
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West Brom eye Craig Gardner transfer from Sunderland back to the West Midlands
Ex-Birmingham midfielder is set to be a free agent at the end of the season and Baggies hope to sign him either then or for a small fee this month
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace fancies a cut-price deal for Craig Gardner.
Sunderland midfielder Gardner is set to be out of contract in the summer and seems likely to leave the Wearsiders on a Bosman. But they may decide to cash in on the former England U-21 international this month.
Peace rates Gardner, who scored 10 goals for Midlands rivals Birmingham in the 2010-2011 season to earn a £6million move to the Black Cats.
If the Baggies fail to land the 27-year-old this month, they will follow up their interest in the summer.
Peace, meanwhile, is continuing to interview potential new coaches as the quest to replace Steve Clarke - sacked on December 15 - rolls on.
Former Werder Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf has emerged as the latest name to be sounded out.
Emmanuel Frimpong 'mocks David Moyes following Sunderland defeat'
Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong reportedly poked fun at Manchester United manager David Moyes following his side's defeat to Sunderland in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final.
The Red Devils, who appointed Moyes as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor in the summer, recorded their third defeat in a row when they succumbed to a 2-1 loss at the Stadium of Light yesterday.
Following the result, according to 101greatgoals.com, Frimpong posted a photo on Instagram of the former Everton boss mocked up as a hitch-hiker holding a board saying Goodison Park.
Frimpong is said to have swiftly deleted the post.
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-08 16:37
FULL-TIME - Man City 6 - 0 West Ham
Six and out. That's that one done and dusted. What next for West Ham and Big Sam?
Name:
Anonymous2014-01-08 17:24
Why do you Brits use the word 'football'?. You play soccer, not football. Football is an American sport.
With Sunderland bottom, West Ham in freefall and more than half the Premier League in a scrap, we look at the relegation dogfight and predict who'll be down and out.
We're gearing up for the tightest relegation battle in Premier League history.
Just nine points separate Sunderland in 20th and relative high flyers Hull City in 10th.
The truncated nature of the bottom half means every side has a fighting chance of clawing themselves to safety. Are some, however, doomed for the drop?
Sportsmail investigates, taking the bottom 11 clubs and predicting each of their results over the remaining 18 matches of the campaign.
West Ham fans look away now...
For our forecast has your boys propping up the table come May 11 and heading back to the Championship.
There's also bad news for Sunderland and Crystal Palace followers as, despite mini revivals under new bosses Gus Poyet and Tony Pulis, the Black Cats and Eagles slip the wrong side of the top-flight trapdoor.
Scroll down for our results and analysis...
HOW THEY STAND (table as at Jan 9)
10th Hull
11th Aston Villa
12th Stoke
13th Swansea
14th West Brom
15th Norwich
16th Fulham
17th Cardiff
18th Crystal Palace
19th West Ham
20th Sunderland
ASTON VILLA (Villa result first)
Jan 11: Arsenal (h) 0-2
Jan 18: Liverpool (a) 0-3
Jan 28: West Bromwich Albion (h) 1-1
Feb 1: Everton (a) 0-2
Feb 8: West Ham United (h) 1-0
Feb 11: Cardiff City (a) 1-2
Feb 22: Newcastle United (a) 1-1
March 1: Norwich City (h) 0-0
March 8: Manchester City (a) 0-4
March 15: Chelsea (h) 1-2
March 22: Stoke City (h) 1-1
March 29: Manchester United (a) 0-2
April 5: Fulham (h) 2-0
April 12: Crystal Palace (a) 1-1
April 19: Southampton (h) 2-1
April 26: Swansea City (a) 1-2
May 3: Hull City (h) 1-0
May 11: Tottenham Hotspur (a) 0-2
POINTS: 40
POSITION: 12th
VERDICT: Villa's indifferent form persists as the season wears on and only four home wins keeps them at arm's length from danger..
CARDIFF (Cardiff result first)
Jan 11: West Ham United (h) 2-0
Jan 18: Manchester City (a) 1-3
Jan 28: Manchester United (a) 0-2
Feb 1: Norwich City (h) 2-1
Feb 8: Swansea City (a) 2-2
Feb 11: Aston Villa (h) 2-1
Feb 22: Hull City (h) 1-1
Mar 1: Tottenham Hotspur (a) 0-2
Mar 8: Fulham (h) 2-1
Mar 15: Everton (a) 0-1
Mar 22: Liverpool (h) 1-3
Mar 29: West Bromwich Albion (a) 0-2
Apr 5: Crystal Palace (h) 1-1
Apr 12: Southampton (a) 1-3
Apr 19: Stoke City (h) 0-0
Apr 26: Sunderland (a) 1-2
May 3: Newcastle United (a) 2-2
May 11: Chelsea (h) 1-3
POINTS: 35
POSITION: 15th
VERDICT: With four wins from the next five at the Cardiff City Stadium, the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer effect sees the Bluerbirds soar clear.
CRYSTAL PALACE (Palace result first)
Jan 11: Tottenham Hotspur (a) 0-2
Jan 18: Stoke City (h) 2-1
Jan 28: Hull City (h) 2-2
Feb 1: Arsenal (a) 0-2
Feb 8: West Bromwich Albion (h) 2-1
Feb 12: Everton (a) 1-1
Feb 22: Manchester United (h) 1-2
Mar 1: Swansea City (a) 1-1
Mar 8: Southampton (h) 2-2
Mar 15: Sunderland (a) 0-1
Mar 22: Newcastle United (a) 1-3
Mar 29: Chelsea (h) 1-3
Apr 5: Cardiff City (a) 1-1
Apr 12: Aston Villa (h) 1-1
Apr 19: West Ham United (a) 1-2
Apr 26: Manchester City (h) 0-3
May 3: Liverpool (h) 1-3
May 11: Fulham (a) 2-2
POINTS: 30
POSITION: 18th
VERDICT: Seven points from the next three home matches give Palace supporters hope but a miserable March drags them back into the mire.
FULHAM (Fulham result first)
Jan 11: Sunderland (h) 2-0
Jan 18: Arsenal (a) 0-2
Jan 28: Swansea City (a) 1-1
Feb 1: Southampton (h) 1-2
Feb 8: Manchester United (a) 0-2
Feb 12: Liverpool (h) 1-3
Feb 22: West Bromwich Albion (a) 0-1
March 1: Chelsea (h) 2-3
March 8: Cardiff City (a) 1-2
March 15: Newcastle United (h) 2-1
March 15: Manchester City (a) 0-4
March 29: Everton (h) 1-1
April 5: Aston Villa (a) 0-2
April 12: Norwich City (h) 2-0
April 19: Tottenham Hotspur (a) 0-2
April 26: Hull City (h) 1-1
May 3: Stoke City (a) 0-0
May 11: Crystal Palace (h) 2-2
POINTS: 33
POSITION: 16th
VERDICT: Meulensteen's men continue to flirt with the drop zone until the final day when, avoiding defeat by Palace, they ensure their Premier League status.