United limp on as Macheda papers over cracks

YOU always remember the first time, which is why Federico Macheda’s extraordinary debut goal against Aston Villa will be recalled for years among Manchester United supporters.

His second will barely rate a deposit in the memory bank of those fans, yet the goal he deflected in to secure victory against Sunderland may prove the more valuable contribution if their title defence is ultimately successful.

Depriving Aston Villa of a point is one thing. A failure to overcome this pedestrian Sunderland side would have positioned further question marks against United’s ability to hold off the challenge of Liverpool and Chelsea, let alone find a route past Porto on Wednesday night.