Ryan Giggs and co suffer home loss to Sunderland

A dejected Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie and Nemanja Vidic against Sunderland at Old Trafford. Pic/AFP

Manchester: Sunderland took a huge step towards cementing their top-flight status by handing Ryan Giggs the first defeat of his reign as Manchester United manager.


A dejected Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie and Nemanja Vidic against Sunderland at Old Trafford. Pic/AFP

Sebastian Larsson took advantage of some slack marking to fire home Connor Wickham's cross in the first half as Sunderland recorded their first win at Old Trafford since 1968.

What had been billed as a tough fixture turned out to be something of a stroll for the 1-0 winners.

The win condemned Cardiff and Fulham to relegation, while Sunderland are now big favourites to stay in the Premier League too.

Providing Norwich lose at Chelsea on Sunday, the Black Cats need only to take one point from their final two matches to survive.

Giggs' bubble bursts
This was the afternoon that the feel-good bubble surrounding Giggs well and truly burst. The high-tempo, counter-attacking football he demanded from his players was absent all day.

United were flat in midfield, Javier Hernandez went missing up front and even the return of Robin van Persie from the bench could not inspire the Red Devils to victory.

Many United fans wanted Giggs to be the club's next manager, but the board are wise to turn to the more experienced Louis van Gaal, who is set to be appointed as David Moyes' successor next week.

United's defeat also highlighted the need for reinforcements this summer, particularly in midfield, where Nani, Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick failed to impress.

The only time United came close to scoring in the opening 15 minutes was when John O'Shea nearly turned the ball into his own net from Carrick's cross.

Cardiff, Fulham drop
Fulham and Cardiff City were both relegated from the Premier League on Saturday after losing their penultimate games of the season.

Fulham slipped into the Championship after 13 years in the top flight after losing 4-1 at Stoke City, while Cardiff City's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United saw them relegated a year after securing promotion.

Sunderland's 1-0 victory at Manchester United condemned both clubs to relegation.

City on course for title
Manchester City remained on-course to lift the league trophy after defeating Everton 3-2 in an enthralling game at Goodison Park. Edin Dzeko scored a brace while Sergio Aguero scored the third for City.

For Everton, Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku were on the scoresheet. Manchester City and Liverpool are tied at the top (80) with Chelsea third (78).