Sunderland 0-1 Manchester United

It wasn't the greatest day to be a red after the scousers rolled over and died to leave the rent boys with the seemingly easy task of beating Wigan at home to take the title from us next Sunday. But i didn't want us to go out with a whimper, i wanted us to win and to make sure that Chelsea do actually have to beat Wigan. So the victory was welcome even if the manner of it was so frustrating.
Fergie went with a 4-4-2 formation, with Rooney back to partner Berbatov, for the first time in a while and going by the amount of chances we created it worked. But of course we only ended up with the one goal to show for it. Sorry to say it, but that was mainly down to the horrendous finishing from the sadly off the pace Berbatov. I'd love to know whether he is really happy at United and if someone came in for him and United were prepared to let him go how he would react. I think he had a reasonable season until Rooney got injured, he hadn't been brilliant by any means but he hadn't been as bad as his detractors have made out. But when Rooney did his ankle against Bayern, that should have been the big chance for him to stand up and show us what he is made of. Unfortuantely he has shown us what he is made of, and it's not been a pretty sight. It would seem that United are too big for him, the responsibility and pressure look too much for him. I don't think Fergie will sell him, unless somebody comes in and offers £20 million for him, and how likely does that seem at the moment.
United started reasonably brightly controlling most of the possession but not threatening the home goal too much at first. Sunderland didn't get forward to trouble us much but they were putting pressure on the ball trying to make life difficult for the reds. It took a while but after 36 minutes a sweet move saw Fletcher move the ball onto Nani at the back post and he hit a superb shot with the outside of his right boot to put United one up. United now turned up the heat and next Evra was put through and should have done better as his tame shot was aimed straight at the goalie. Rooney then created a great chance for Berbatov but his day of woe in front of goal started as he put it wide.
The second half carried on where the first half finished with United dominating proceedings. Nani was the first culprit as United left their shooting boots at home when he failed to add his and United's second with a tame chip that was easily saved. Not long after Berbatov missed another great chance that seemed easier to score. Next up Berbatov saw a header deflected onto the bar when he just had to score. Rooney was playing well but unfortunately he was never on the end of any of the chances. Carrick came on for a rare recent appearance and had a shot blocked on the line.
So we go into the last day of the season hoping for a miracle, but at least we have took it to the last day, if you had said we would do that at Christmas i'd have thought you were nuts.


Ferguson admits we are now clutching at straws as all we can do is hope that Wigan produce the upset of the season at Stamford bridge next Sunday.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/7670142/We-are-clutching-at-straws-says-Manchester-United-manager-Sir-Alex-Ferguson.html

Fergie showed a bit more dignity after the title looked like slipping from our grasp than after our European exit at the hands of Bayern writes Patrick Barclay.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/patrick_barclay/article7114641.ece

Berbatov the scapegoat reports Daniel Taylor, but he hasn't been the only one to fall below what was expected he writes. He was pretty awful yesterday, it can't be denied, but i'm not blaming him for us just falling short.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/may/02/manchester-united-title-chase

Alan Hansen writes Liverpool may be at the most critical stage of their history as they slip out of the top four and don't look like getting back into it any time soon.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/liverpool/7670096/Alan-Hansen-Liverpool-are-facing-an-uncertain-future-and-need-an-overhaul.html

Nick Harris asks us not to judge John Higgins too soon arguing that he may have been set up by News international.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/nick--harris-what-the-news-of-the-world-did-not-say-1960860.html

Larry Elliot thinks Labour needs to admit it's mistakes, mainly embracing the lure of the city and the free market. Obviously that is right but there is a whole lot more to be added to that list for me.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/may/03/labour-should-admit-mistakes-larry-elliott

Goldman Sachs concede case for more regulation, self preservation.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/goldman-sachs-concedes-case-for-restraining-the-big-banks-1960989.html

William Keegan wonders why the credit ratings agencies still enjoy the confidence of markets and goverments after their less than exemplary record during the credit crunch crisis. So do i.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/may/01/william-keegan-ireland-debt-crisis

Whatever the results of this election politics has changed forever writes Mark Penn in the Times.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article7114515.ece
To the annoyance of Rupert Murdoch, hopefully.

A very interesting blog from Craig Murray on the subject of immigration in this election debate.
http://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2010/05/immigration_and.html#comments

Classic Bon Scott vintage Ac/dc