Nani keeps United hope alive

In-form winger ensures title race will go to final day

Last updated: 3rd May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wayne Rooney Manchester United Premier League

Rooney is clattered from behind

nani sunderland

The United winger was again one of United's better performers

Nani celebrates Sunderland v Manchester United

Nani: Enjoys the sweetest of strikes

Nani Manchester United Premier League

Nani: Beats Gordon with a fine finish
Man of the match: Nani produced the game's one moment of top quality to beat Craig Gordon and keep United in the title hunt

Save of the match: In-form Craig Gordon made a string of fine saves, but Edwin van der Sar's fingertip effort to keep out Steed Malbranque's dipping effort was vital.

Attempt of the match: Apart from Nani's sublime outside-of-the-foot finish, Ryan Giggs' stinging drive that flicked the frame of the goal where post meets crossbar was a cracking effort.

Moment of the match: A dreadful afternoon for Dimitar Berbatov was summed up when he scooped the ball up and over the bar from a yard out after being picked out by Wayne Rooney.

Talking point: United do what they need to do to keep the title race alive. Can Wigan do Fergie's lads a favour on the final day?


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Manchester United ensured the title race will be decided on the final day of the season as Nani's goal at the Stadium of Light was enough to beat Sunderland.

While Liverpool were somewhat lacklustre as Chelsea cruised to victory at Anfield earlier in the day, Sunderland were considerably less so as they showed plenty of bite against a United side aware only three points would realistically keep alive their bid to grab top spot in seven days' time.

Just as he had done a week earlier against Tottenham it was Nani who settled United's nerves as he opened the scoring just shy of the half hour mark, after both sides had exchanged hefty blows but no knockout punch in the early sparring.

Short passes on the edge of Sunderland's box between Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher were all very polite but when the ball arrived at the Portuguese's feet there was nothing apologetic about his finish as he angled a sumptuous low drive beyond Craig Gordon.

Steed Malbranque's sighter from range drew a smart tip-over from Edwin van der Sar but it was United who were guilty of the greatest profligacy as Berbatov squandered a hat-trick of glorious chances and Giggs clipped the top of the bar.

Tough ask

United will now head into next Sunday's final day showdown with Stoke at Old Trafford knowing that effectively only a win can give them a 19th league title, and even that will not be enough if the Blues beat Wigan at home.

Sir Alex Ferguson and his players left the North East at least having given themselves a chance on an afternoon when they could have made things much more comfortable for themselves with striker Berbatov far from at his best.

However, the manager's record of never having lost to a team managed by former United defender Steve Bruce remained intact, and while there is hope, he will not give up on the big prize.

Sunderland signed off their home campaign with a committed display in front of a crowd of 47,641, but on an afternoon when Fabio Capello's representatives were at the Stadium of Light, England hopeful Darren Bent had little opportunity to stake his claim for a seat on the plane to South Africa.

United set about their task with some relish, but against opponents who were never likely to let them have things all their own way.

On a bitterly cold afternoon on Wearside, United created chances from the off, and it took a good fourth-minute save by Gordon from Rooney, and then Phil Bardsley's block from Giggs' follow-up, to keep them at bay.

However, only Chelsea and Aston Villa had won at Sunderland this season, and the Black Cats, who were only denied a famous victory at Old Trafford in October by Anton Ferdinand's late own goal, caused problems of their own.

Central defender John Mensah lasted only 18 minutes before his injury problems struck again, but he headed wide from Jordan Henderson's 13th-minute corner, and skipper Lorik Cana was only just off target with his effort from a Malbranque free-kick three minutes later.

Van der Sar had to pull off a fine one-handed save to keep out Malbranque's rasping 24th-minute shot, and the home fans started to believe that a surprise could be on the cards.

Fine save

However, United got their noses in front four minutes later when, after Giggs and Berbatov had caused problems on the edge of the Sunderland penalty area, the ball was fed out to Nani and he blasted a low shot past the helpless Gordon and into the bottom corner.

Bruce's men were dealt a major blow eight minutes before the break when young midfielder David Meyler was stretchered off with what looked like a nasty knee injury, and their fortunes could have taken a further turn for the worse before the half-time whistle sounded.

Berbatov failed to make the most of good work by Giggs and Rooney deep inside their own half when he allowed himself to be dispossessed by Michael Turner on the edge of the box before he could shoot.

The Bulgarian was wasteful once again in injury time when Rooney once again set him up, but with just Gordon to beat, he could not hit the target.

Wasteful

United could, and perhaps should, have had the win wrapped up within seven minutes of the restart. First Nani was denied his second goal of the game four minutes after half-time when Gordon made a fine save as he burst into the penalty area, and then Berbatov spooned a shot over from point-blank range with the goal at his mercy.

It was simply not the striker's day, and he could not believe his luck when he met Giggs' 56th-minute cross with a firm header just yards out and saw Kieran Richardson deflect it over the crossbar.

The home side started to make an impression as the half wore on, but with strikers Bent and Fraizer Campbell seeing little of the ball, central defenders Nemanja Vidic and Johnny Evans were rarely stretched.

But substitute Michael Carrick saw his 78th-minute effort hacked off the line by Turner and although Sunderland pushed all the way to the whistle, they could not find a way back.

Comments (26)

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Farhan Hussain (Manchester United fan) says...

Berba is a Big Big Flop..Manchester United should get rid of him as early as possible and buy benzema as soon as possible.. We played good football against sunderland but finishing touch was poor(esp: berba) and Nani wow amazing lad

Posted 08:25 3rd May 2010

Wayne Nussey (Liverpool fan) says...

Its always the same with utd fans, as soon as they dont get what they want it somebody elses fault, a season thats played over 38 games, do you honestly believe your team is good enough to win the league when your relying on a poor liverpool side, who played 2hours of football on thursday night. the last time utd played a uropean match you could only manage a draw in your next game against blackburn, if you wanted it bad enough that should of bin 3 points and you wouldnt find yourselves 1 point behind chelsea.......

Posted 07:11 3rd May 2010

David Kravitz says...

One goal has given Chelsea the championship over Manchester United. Which one? The offside one at Old Trafford that gave Chelsea a win instead of a draw.

Posted 06:56 3rd May 2010

Jedd Germano (Chelsea fan) says...

There's all these excuses and whining... but at the end of the day, Chelsea have collected maximum points from their 3 main rivals home and away.. That's enough for me to say we deserve this years EPL crown.

Posted 06:46 3rd May 2010

Manu Expedith (Manchester United fan) says...

[Please Remove this while review TO SKY SPORTS: I have been posting several messages and not one has been posted. Please post or kindly send me an email why you didn't opt to post] Let's be honest if Liverpool cannot save themselves how are they going to save others. Ken Frought (Juventus fan) -- Look who is talking about being on the top and midfield and defense -- haven't you heard that "People Who Live In Glass Houses Should Not Throw Stones". Next week draw or win for Wigan is nothing short of a miracle and don't expect one bit to happen. I don't think any team which wins the title can be branded as "deserved to win".. It's been more like plucking the petals of the flower.. "Man Utd wins, Chelsea wins, Man Utd Wins.. so on" and finally it ended up in Chelsea. But clearly some of the decisions.. like two dubious ones at against Chelsea makes me wonder is it really luck?? But overall united has done really well with one of the main weapon (CR7) not there. I feel next season we would buy a left winger with the likes of Robben, Ribery or Angel di Maria or somebody who would induce fear in the opponents then we are back.. Berbatov situation is somewhat inexplicable, he is a massive player but it has been like it just didn't happen. but if an analysis is made then it seems that he has been almost same like he was in Tottenham.. 2006¿2008 Tottenham Hotspur 70 Matches (27 Goals) 2008¿ Manchester United 63 Matches (21 Goals) But looks like we need to address the striking option next season. There is something going on about Vidic, I feel like "Is he going to go away next season?" Let's hope I am wrong.

Posted 05:52 3rd May 2010

Rachel S (Sunderland fan) says...

I'm glad Sunderland didn't get a raw deal for once in an article explaining how we lost to one of the big clubs. With a title like this, it is easy to see why I was concerned, but the actual article acknowledged that Sunderland fought hard and did very well. I am proud of my team, despite the loss, because we had such a go at it. I'm not too bothered we have lost though, because I'd rather Man U win the title than Chelsea. I'm all for Northern Clubs dominating the Premier League! All I can say is I am disappointed that Darren Bent didn't get a goal to show Capello he belongs in the squad, but really, being 2nd highest scoring Englishman in the Prem should be enough if Capello realises there are teams out side of the top 6 with stellar players.

Posted 04:47 3rd May 2010

Peter Prince (Manchester United fan) says...

Chelsea will win the title this year and will have deserved to. The fact is they will have more points than Utd and over the season you can't be lucky. Chelsea are a very good team and so are Utd but this year it was Chelsea who when it mattered most. I love all the rivalry but there comes a point when you have to acknowledge that the best team won. Congratulations to Chelsea if they do go on to win next week as I expect them to.

Posted 04:34 3rd May 2010

Alex Loh (Manchester United fan) says...

Chelsea did have a lot of help from the lesser teams (which includes Liverpool) and referees and linesmen. To add to what Patrick Holmes have said, Bolton should won TWO penalties at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea got absolutely lucky. Hopefully against Wigan, justice will be served.

Posted 04:19 3rd May 2010

Homzie D (Manchester United fan) says...

When Ron and Tev left Utd many wrote us off and even said that we would struggle to finish 4th. TBH, people said that about Arsenal too. The only reason why Chelsea did the double over Utd is that big decisions always went Chelsea's way. Now, we are a point behind with 1 game to play. Who would have predicted that in August? Yes, we were poor in a few games like Burnley, Fulham, Everton, Liverpool away & Villa at home and unlucky against Chelsea home and away. These things happen. This is football, you can't win everything! It is inevitable that Chelsea will win the title, so, Congratulations, enjoy it till it lasts as u know Utd will be back stronger and more hungry next season.

Posted 03:11 3rd May 2010

Uday Kumar (Manchester United fan) says...

I had predicted at the start of the season that Chelsea had a bit more quality about them to go on an win this season and it seems to be heading that way! ManU played gamely all season battling injuries and form dips. But somehow there is a bit of lack of quality in the team that HAS to be fixed for next season. Right-flank defense has nobody. Left-flank defense with Evra is good but he suffers against taller, stronger, quicker opponents. He is more of an attacker! Vidic and Ferdinand are good. mid-field is pathetic. Other than Giggs there is no vision, no play-maker. Scholes though good is on the vane. Carrick is not up to it. Valencia has to be more consistent and has to have a constant partner with understanding to really start flowering. He is a good talent though. Nani is up and down. His goal today was good but overall I think he doesn't have enough quality to be a part of this ManU team. And in strikers there IS ONLY Rooney. There is nobody else - simple and straight! So the ManU backbone team and Sir Alex have their work cut out for next season. I shall always remain a ManU fan and I hope we can win somehow this season and then start becoming a glorious team next season - free from injury and with a great bench strength!

Posted 02:33 3rd May 2010

Chris Blades (Manchester United fan) says...

The title is definitely Chelsea's now. I think all Sir Alex has to do is sign a striker (Benzema , Villa) and maybe a new keeper for when van der sar retires and we will be back on top. Next season I think Rooney will be much better and I also think Nani will step up.

Posted 01:01 3rd May 2010

Chris Smith (Manchester United fan) says...

To steven smith, its won over 38 games, dont make me laugh. 1st half of the season we had no defence, 2nd half you were handed the prem, the reason fergie opened his gob about refs. It shows last 3 games handed to you on a plate, good going for a mid table,tin pot team only to come good because of money

Posted 22:06 2nd May 2010

Patrick Holmes (Manchester United fan) says...

To Steven Smith (Chelsea fan) I think you need to look at how Stoke and Liverpool have rolled over and let Chelsea win before you start calling Steve Bruce Liverpool didn't even try today, and it was little suprise that Steven Gerrard gave you a big helping hand when you were struggling. Stoke last weeek, played like a side that had already gone on their holidays. At least Sunderland put some effort in and their players looked like they wanted to win. And the biggest FACT of all, is that if you win the title by one point, you can thank that linesman in the game at Old Trafford, when you won 2-1, you know, the one that can't spot a player who's two yards offside.

Posted 20:57 2nd May 2010

Billy Evers (Manchester United fan) says...

Oh, forgot to ask, how long does Benitez have left on his contract? Another four years at his current rate of progress should see Liverpool relegated!!!!!

Posted 20:56 2nd May 2010

Damien Jackson (Manchester United fan) says...

well done lads,win nxt wk and hopefully wigan will get a draw out chelsea which is highly unlikey bt we can hope.congrats 2 chelsea tho bt be warned we will be back and hopefully berbaflop is gone cus what a total waste of money.

Posted 20:39 2nd May 2010

Billy Evers (Manchester United fan) says...

Well done to Chelski. Any team that puts that many goals away deserves the title. They are now a much more attractive team to watch than under Morego (god forbid he comes to OT). To many Utd players of the boil for to long; Vidic (how bad was the mystery injury?), Carrick to slow needs to much time, Valancia's confidence comes and goes, Park all enegry no technique, and Berbatov just not up to it when needed. Hargreaves back is good news, Gibson, Rafeal, Anderson, will all improve. Just need a striker to back up Rooney, and we thought Liverpool were a one man team! (actually its two 'cos with Gerrard and Torres they are awful).

Posted 20:26 2nd May 2010

Ken Frought (Juventus fan) says...

Now that everyone is charging down upon Berbatov, I predict that M Utd will finish 5th without him next season. He is something of a scapegoat, exemplifying a poor M Utd side. If you take off the pink glasses, you will see a leaky defence, a midfield that lacks imagination, and a toothless attack.

Posted 20:22 2nd May 2010

Nick Kay (Manchester United fan) says...

The fact is we had it in our hands and blew it, we only have ourselves to blame..... The fact is Liverpool are a mid-table team this year and were simply beaten by one of the top sides in Europe. Maybe if Liverpool had a realistic chance of getting 4th they would have put up more of a fight, but it's a club in turmoil that got swept aside by a great Chelsea team. Simple as that, no conspiricy..... I put this year down to a stronger league and a very good Chelsea team........ Chelsea have beat us twice, Arsenal twice and Liverpool twice. They have beaten the right teams at the right time, something we have not done....... A very close, exciting season which will probably go to Chelsea. There's no shame in this for United.

Posted 20:04 2nd May 2010

Chris Corkhill (Manchester United fan) says...

In response to Steven Smith. No Utd fans have commented on this page regarding Liverpool's poor showing against Chelsea. In fact most comments from Utd fans are actually congratulating Chelsea on their imminent Premier League title. Gracious in defeat. I to congratulate Chelsea and agree that over the season the best team has won, the table doesn't lie. So enjoy it while it lasts boys as history suggests Utd will be back next season to win it another three times on the trot!

Posted 19:52 2nd May 2010

Paul Colclough (Blackburn Rovers fan) says...

Well well well, as a fan watching from the sidelines i have to say sir alex needs to sort his life out!, he continues to sign big money flops instead of signing KNOW and PROLIFIC players! why £30mil on berba? why not spend that bit extra on someone like villa?? or even keeping tevez?!!! united dont have the players anymore its a shame i love man u i love watching them and always wish them the best as rovers will never have another title race! but fergie needs to adjust and overcome! come on fergie sign the best and dump the rest!

Posted 19:32 2nd May 2010
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