Sunderland vs Manchester United. Premier League.
Stadium of LightAttendance43,760.
Saturday 30 March 2013 17:53, UK
An own goal from Sunderland's Titus Bramble handed Manchester United a 1-0 win and an 18-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Speaking after the game, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the battling qualities of his side as they edged a step closer to reclaiming the top-flight crown. He told Sky Sports: "It was a battling performance by the players. We picked up two or three injuries along the way and it was courage that got us through in the second half. It means we will go into the Man City game with at least a 15-point lead. "I think the players have galvanised themselves - the team spirit, the concentration, the focus in every game. That's 25 wins in 30 league games, which is a record. That's all down to the efforts of the players." Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill remains confident that the Black Cats can haul their way to safety, despite ending another afternoon empty-handed. He told Sky Sports: "Confidence is a major thing in the game and we are striving for it, but I thought the players can take a great deal of confidence from that second-half performance. "We have to go and put it right, and we intend to do so. There is a determination in that dressing room to get the points. Nothing is too easy in this game, but we are up for the challenge."
