Manchester United vs. Sunderland - League Cup Semi-Final.

Manchester United/ Moyes in crisis. Repeat ad nauseam. 14 points off the top of the league and in danger of crashing out of the league cup; it’s been quite a while since a league cup match felt quite so important for a Manchester United side. But the place in the final and a chance at a piece of silverware for two managers with zero major honours to their name is no to be sniffed at.

Story so far:

Sunderland 2-1 Manchester United.

Gus Poyet’s men carry a slender advantage with them to Old Trafford this evening. In the first leg, 15 days ago: a cheap Ryan Gigg’s own goal late in the first half gave Sunderland the lead. This was cancelled out by a towering header by Nemanja Vidic. Parity only lasted 13 minutes before Tom Cleverly gave away a dubious penalty against Adam Johnson. This was brilliantly dispatched by Borini. That was that. However, due to the away goal’s rule Moyes’ boys just need a one-nil win to put them through to the final. The reward of a game against Manchester City in said final may not seem too appetizing though...

Key Clash:

Manchester United’s central midfield is much maligned this season. Typified by the abuse that follows Tom Cleverley and Marouane Fellani around and the constant speculation about other midfielders joining. But United have had periods of dominance in the majority of matches they have played this season (such as the opening twenty minutes against Chelsea on Sunday). However, far too often their forwards will miss a gilt-edge chance (such as Welbeck’s against Chelsea) and then their defence will hand the opposition a goal (such as Chelsea’s second and third on Sunday). The midfield is not doing too much different to last year, Carrick is still an excellent passer of the ball and the more combative Jones can still break up play. Whether there is a creative presence either in the number ten role or on the wings capable of creating enough opportunities to fire united through will be key. (See: key men). Sunderland’s central midfield is hardly celebrated for their creativity. Instead it is their industry which is noteworthy. If players like Lee Cattermole and Jack Colback can stop the link between Carrick and Adnan Januzaj then you feel this tie will be Sunderland’s.

Key Men:

Sunderland, Occasional maverick and one time alcoholic Adam Johnson is a man in form at the moment. Winning the penalty against united, followed by a well taken hat-trick against Fulham then a delightful equaliser Saturday lunchtime at Southampton. Call for a spot on the plane the Rio may be a bit premature but he certainly is a man who could have a big say in this cup tie. He is a rarity in this Sunderland squad, capable of moments of magic and will be crucial to a side likely to vent much of their attacking intent through counter attacks.

Manchester United,  “You’ll never win anything with Kids.” Well, to be fair with Aston Villa’s youthful exuberance firmly in mid-table and a side increasingly reliant on Adnan Januzaj looking more likely to join the mid-table scrap then the title push, Alan Hansen might have had a point. The 18 year old proud Kosovan has been a rare bright spark for united this season, and until Wayne Rooney or Robin Van Persie return (or a new signing is made) that looks likely to continue. He is fast maturing into quite the footballer, able to commit defenders, play a lovely through ball or finish with self assurance that belies his age. Maybe it’s the innocence or arrogance of youth; I’m not sure. But as long as it continues this is a player capable of causing Sunderland a lot of problems this evening.

Final Thoughts:

Years of conditioning have led me to not back against a United side whom only need a one-nil win at home against relegation fodder. Today will be no different. There surely has to be a backlash from this side, a statement of there’s still life in the old dog yet. There is enough quality in Welbeck/Januzaj/Valenica/Hernandez to score at least one goal against Wes Brown/John O’Shea. Whether one (or two) goals is enough will then come into play. Without Vidic due to suspension, Johnny Evans will likely start, his partner either Jones/Smalling. All talents capable of keeping Jozy “the human wall” Altidore quiet. (We’ll see if that catches on, he certainly displays about as much movement in between the lines as a wall).
This is there for united's taking, book their place in the final against Manchester City and Moyes’ and the articles of crisis will dry up for at 6 days until they lose play again. Respite.