Manchester United took the lead against Sunderland after 30 minutes, courtesy of an astonishing Zlatan Ibrahimovic strike. But the Black Cats were placed in a more challenging situation just before second half when Sebastian Larsson was handed a straight red card.
The Red Devils made good use of the 11 men against 10 advantage by firing in stunning strikes from Marcus Rashford and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Just 45 seconds after the start of the second half, Henrikh Mkhitaryan found his way to the net. The win was sealed by Marcus Rashford on the 89th minute.
David Moyes Explains
Speaking after the game, David Moyes suggested that the referee, Pawson, may have had a hand in the outcome.
“We have to fix our own faults first but I certainly didn’t think the decisions helped us today,” he said.
He said that he wouldn’t want to place his concentration on the referee but added that the decisions impacted the game.
It’s understood that Sunderland will appeal against the dismissal of Larsson, with the Black Cat’s manager holding the opinion that he was harshly judged.
“We’ll have a look at it. I’ve had a look at it, so don’t worry about that. I don’t want to make you think it’s the referee’s fault, it’s not that. But he gets the ball, he touches the ball. There’s no contact at all, so it’s not even a booking.”
Faced with Relegation
Sunderland is at the bottom of the Premier League, 10 points adrift of safety, while only 7 games are left before the League comes to an end.
There is no way the team can avoid relegation, judging by their current position.
The coach was very particular that he isn’t blaming the referees because they are aware of their position. “…we are bottom of the league, so let me make that clear first of all, it’s nothing to do with referees. But I didn’t think it was a good decision.”
But Sunderland’s poor performance doesn’t mean Moyes is an effect coach. No, he isn’t. His time has so far been disappointing but he is the kind of manager with the ability to rebuild the club.
Typically, after Sunderland goes down, they are supposed to bounce back just like their north-east rivals Newcastle are going to do. But that sought of rejuvenation is only possible at the Stadium of Light if they fix the troubling issues.
