Sunderland v Manchester United: Capital One Cup semi-final first leg – in pictures

Manchester United's under-fire manager David Moyes looks quite chipper before kick-off ... Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

As does his Sunderland counterpart Gus Poyet Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Despite it being a cup semi-final the Mackem fans haven't exactly turned up in their droves Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

It's a tight start to the match as Tom Cleverley, right, and Steven Fletcher of Sunderland can verify Photograph: Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

After thirty minutes of play, the only shot on target has been one by Danny Welbeck Photograph: Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

Sunderland are finding it harder to deal with Adnan Januzaj, who is helping to ensure United are the better side as the half goes on Photograph: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

The deadlock is finally broken deep into first-half injury time. The goal was made by Wes Brown, who headed Larsson's lofted free-kick into the six-yard box where Bardsley slid in, trying to bundle the ball past De Gea. He missed it by inches but his presence was enough to force Giggs, also sliding, to turn it in. There wasn't much he could do Photograph: Nigel Roddis/Reuters

Joy for Phil Bardsley Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images

Whereas there's dejection thoughout the United ranks courtesy of Danny Welbeck, David de Gea and Ryan Giggs of Manchester United Photograph: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

United faces were smiling again seven minutes latter when Nemanja Vidic rose highest to power an equaliser home Photograph: Nigel Roddis/Reuters

The United captain seems relieved to have got his side back into the game Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

Things are still pretty tight out there as Januzaj and Bardsley prove Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

Just after the hour mark Adam Johnson sashays into the area from the right, bursting through a couple of United players, before Tom Cleverley foolishly wraps his leg around him, giving Johnson enough of a reason to go down. The referee blows his whistle and points to the spot Photograph: Ian Horrocks/Getty Images

Fabio Borini steps up and places a high shot into the top-right corner with his right foot. De Gea went the other way but wouldn't have had a chance Photograph: Nigel Roddis/Reuters

Despite United pinning Sunderland in their own half for most of the remaining quarter, David Moyes's team were unable to find a way through the Sunderland defence and get back into the game. Eventually the final whistle goes and United have tasted defeat for the third time in a row. Final score: Sunderland 2-1 Manchester United Photograph: Nigel Roddis/Reuters