Manchester United lost at the Stadium of light for the very first time after a late De Gea own goal gave Sunderland a morale-boosting 2-1 win.
The home side made a shocking start by taking the lead in the third minute of the game through Wahbi Khazri but United levelled through Anthony Martial who scored his 7th goal of the season.
The second half saw Sunderland showing greater endeavour and their attacking intent reaped rewards in the 82nd minute as N’doye powered a header which ricocheted off the unfortunate De Gea into the net. That proved to be the winning goal as Sunderland held on for the win.
Lineups:
Manchester United: David De Gea; Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Morgan Schneiderlin, Micheal Carrick, Andres Lingard, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney.
Aston Villa: De Andre Yedlin, John O’Shea, Lamine Kone, Patrick van Aanholt; Jan Kirchhoff, Lee Cattermole, Yann M’Vila, Wahbi Khazri, Dame N’Doye, Jermain Defoe
First Half
The first half started off in electric fashion after Sunderland took the lead in the third minute of the game. Wahbi Khazri scored a goal from the first free kick they won. Khazri whipped in a low ball which evaded all the defenders, and it squeezed past De Gea when he should have done better.
Defoe could have made it two seven minutes later but Smalling put in a good block. United struggled to create openings with Sunderland holding firm, but in the 40th minute Mata had space to shoot from inside the area. The shot was parried into Martial’s path who chipped it wonderfully into the net to level the scores.
Both sides made first half substitutions due to injuries with Kirchoff and Darmian coming off for United and Sunderland respectively. Scottish youngster Donald Love came on for his debut with Louis Van Gaal’s options even thinner now in the full back positions.
Second Half
In the second half, Sunderland started the brighter. Defoe went close in the 5th minute after some good work on the left side but Blind put in a crucial block to deny the front man. Sunderland continued to dominate with Defoe going close again. De Gea produced a brilliant save with his feet after the former England international was through on goal
Sunderland continued to be the team on the offensive with United unable to exert any pressure going forward.
United had their first clear chance of the second half when Depay tricked his way into the box and setup Mata, but a crucial block to prevented the Spaniard from making it 2-1.
But in the 82nd minute Sunderland took the lead. N’doye powered a header from close range after a Wahbi Khazri corner, which De Gea deflected into his own net. United’s defence didn’t pick up N’Doye’s run and it proved to be costly
The defeat comes a big blow to United who will fall further away from the top four depending on results on Sunday.
