COMMENT: Manchester United made the early trip to the Stadium of Light, but there was nothing bright about the performance.
An early Sunderland goal set the tempo of the game and buoyed the home side who are engulfed in a relegation battle at the bottom of the league. United moved the ball well in the first half, but once again lacked that cutting edge. Anthony Martial's strike just before half time gave the traveling United support hope, but that was as good as it got for the Red Army.
Sunderland dominated the second half and United never threatened. It was another performance that typifies Louis van Gaal's philosophy. A struggle against the league's lesser sides and once again proving that if you score against United, you're likely to get something out of the game.
Ten minutes from time, Sunderland grabbed the winner; it could have been worse as once again David De Gea made a string of fine saves. As the final whistle blew, it probably marked the end of any hopes United had about a top four finish. It's a sad state of affairs that United hope for a top four finish, it shows the decline of the club, when in reality the team should be challenging for the title.
With the rumours of Jose Mourinho set to arrive in the summer getting stronger, many now think that it's time for Van Gaal to pack his clogs and for the self proclaimed Special One to come in now.
At one time United fans used the Thursday night Europa League football as a way of mocking arch rivals Liverpool, but once again the stark reality is that this Thursday, United will once again be playing in Europe's losers competition.
A trip to Denmark awaits United and whilst it's not the hardest of opponent, you wonder if this United side is capable of progressing. A Europa League trophy would mask the failures that Van Gaal has produced, but it looks like the only way that United could qualify for next season's Champions League. The old Uefa Cup was the only European trophy that United have never won and victory in Basle in May would be welcomed by United and its fans, but the dark reality is that it will only blind the overall failings of the season.
The time is now right for Jose to bring his own light to United's darkening season.
Andrew is the co-founder of Stretford End Flags, an independent fans group set up to improve the atmosphere and colour within Old Trafford. SEF provide the famous Stretford End banners. Visit stretfordendflags.com for more information - and to get involved.
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