Last-gasp Vidic saves United against Sunderland
Nemanja Vidic scored a crucial goal today
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Saturday, 06, Dec 2008 08:50
Nemanja Vidic saved Manchester United from embarrassment as he scored a late winner as his team struggled to a 1-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford.
United laid siege on the Sunderland goal for the majority of the game and missed a number of glorious chances. Dimitar Berbatov headed a free header over from six yards out and Anderson had a goal-bound effort blocked off the line by Teemu Taninio.
Sunderland goalkeeper Marton Fulop was also in inspired form, saving efforts from Michael Carrick, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo. But just when it looked like manager-less Sunderland would earn a point, Vidic popped up to score after the ball came back off the woodwork.
United started the game on the front foot and Fulop was required to make good early saves from Berbatov and a long-range effort from Wayne Rooney.
Newly crowned European player of the year Ronaldo came close to scoring from a corner, but his close-range shot was cleared off the line.
A misjudged pass from Dwight Yorke fell to Ji-Sung Park who had a clear run on goal, but Fulop was again up to the task as he smothered the ball at the feet of Park.
The champions should have taken the lead when Berbatov had a free header in the penalty area, but the Bulgarian fired his effort wide.
Sunderland fought bravely for 90 minutes but they had their resolve broken in injury-time. Carrick had a shot on goal which came back off the post and Vidic was perfectly placed to turn the ball into the goal.