Manchester United lost their third match in a row after Sunderland defeated them 2-1 in the Capital One Cup semi-final, first leg. The defeat will only pile more pressure on United manager David Moyes even though United have an opportunity to still advance to the Capital One Cup final depending on their result in the second leg of the semi-final, scheduled for Old Trafford on January 22.

Sunderland won the match through a Ryan Giggs own goal on the stroke of half-time, and a disputed penalty that was scored by Liverpool forward Fabio Borini who is on loan at the Black Cats. Nemanja Vidic pulled a goal back for United near of the beginning of the second half, but ultimately the performance was below par yet again for Manchester United. Sunderland defended well and were able to limit the Red Devils to just the one goal, that was scored from a corner after Vidic headed the ball into the back of the net.

Moyes will feel particularly hard done by after seeing a replay of the penalty incident, which seemed quite harsh on United. With Adam Johnson running toward goal, Tom Cleverley appeared to make contact with the Sunderland winger on the edge of the box, with Johnson then proceeding to fall into the area. The assistant referee indicated it was a foul, and referee Andre Marriner then awarded the spot kick to Sunderland. Much to the delight of Liverpool supporters, up stepped Fabio Borini to win the match for Sunderland.

Watch the penalty incident here:


Borini by goalsandmore

What’s your opinion? Was the penalty decision a correct one, or did the match officials make a mistake? Share your opinion in the comments section below.

Editor’s note: For the latest Red Devils news, analysis and opinion, visit the Manchester United team page.