Manchester United 0-1 Sunderland : Five Talking Points

Sebastian Larsson's first half goal was enough for Sunderland to beat United and step even closer to safety, with two games left to go. Defeat in only his second game would have surely left a sour taste in Giggs' mouth and any hopes of claiming sixth place and a Europa League spot looks highly unlikely. Here are the major talking points from the game.

#1 Sunderland look to have secured their survival

Having secured seven points from their previous three including victories over title-chasing Chelsea and relegation-threatened Cardiff, Sunderland came into this encounter knowing fully well that a victory might just guarantee their safety. Sunderland's win was their first League victory at Old Trafford since 1968, when their defeat sent United down. But this victory coupled with defeats for Fulham and Cardiff meant that Sunderland are now within a victory of securing their place in the Premier League next season and the former two relegated. That certainly looked a pipe dream when Gus Poyet took over Sunderland and the club was rock-bottom. How things have changed over a period of few weeks.

#2 United players leave their passing boots at home

The defeat of Bayern Munich has led to some claiming the death of tiki-taka. Whilst at no point this season have United been even close to the level of Bayern, their passing against Sunderland was one that certainly bore witness to that claim. Although United dominated possession, they were unable to do anything with it. More often that the ball went sidewards and backwards rather than forwards. Even the usually calm De Gea didn’t have the best of days with the ball at his feet. No United player barring Phil Jones looked comfortable with the ball at his feet and that in itself speaks volumes of how poor United were.

#3 Rio Ferdinand living on borrowed time

With Vidic leaving, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra looking set to follow suit, the Red Devils now find themselves in a position where they have to replace their entire back four. And with good reason too. Ferdinand in particular, looks like a pale imitation of himself. Against the Black Cats, he gave the ball away far too often and put De Gea in danger on more than one occasion. One of his biggest strengths throughout his career, was his ability to come out of defense. Now, even that seems to have all but gone and the amount of times he gave the ball right back to Sunderland was simply inexcusable. There is sure to be a mass clear out in the summer, and given his performances so far, the Englishman looks to be at the top of that list.

#4 Sunderlands persistent pressure pays off

One of the main reasons why Sunderland find themselves out of the bottom three has been their relentless pressing. High on confidence from their defeat of Cardiff last weekend, Sunderland set the tone for the game right from the first whistle. The visitors closed down every United player that had the ball and didn’t give them a moment’s breath. Anytime United had the ball, there was always a Sunderland player closing down and that meant the home side gave the ball away far too often. That coupled with Sunderland’s resolute defending meant that the home side rarely had any clear cut chances in the game.

#5 United lacked movement up front

One of the biggest problems for United this season has been their movement, or lack of it. For much of the first half, United’s slow tempo coupled with Sunderland’s rigid defensive shape made for some painful viewing. The lack of movement from the United frontline meant that Sunderland could get 10 men behind the ball and make it difficult for the Red Devils. Their passing too, was utterly predictable. Not only was it slack and sometimes lackadaisical, it was also slow enough for the visitors to react. Although it was slightly better in the second half, it is still something Giggs must address in his final two games.