Sunderland are still in the hunt to ward off relegation thanks to a 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Saturday.
Sam Allardyce's Black Cats took an early lead when January signing Wahbi Khazri continued his impressive beginning to life at the Stadium of Light when scoring with a free-kick, which evaded all in the box, in the third minute.
United replied six minuted before half-time courtesy of a deft finish from a tight angle from Anthony Martial after Vito Mannone had pushed Juan Mata's initial attempt into his path.
With eight minutes remaining in regular time, Sunderland edged ahead when Lamine Kone powerfully headed fellow new boy Khazri's corner goal-ward, seeing the ball squeeze between David De Gea and Martial and in over the line.
It was Sunderland's first win over United on Wearside since 1997 and sees them go within two points of safety as Louis van Gaal's Red Devils remained fifth where they sit six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, casting doubt on their Champions League pursuit.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Sunderland: 2 (Wahbi Khazri 3', David De Gea (OG) 82')
Manchester United: 1 (Anthony Martial 39')
Stadium of Light, Sunderland - 41,687
TALKING POINTS
- Will a win like this see Sunderland push on and climb out of the relegation mire? How good a signing is Khazri!
- Another setback for United. Will this dent their top-four hopes? Or do they rely on winning the Europa League to sneak into the Champions League?
WHAT'S NEXT?
Sunderland have a week off before heading to West Ham on February 27 as Man Utd prepare for three fixtures before their next league outing. They head to Denmark to take on FC Midtyjlland in the Europa League on Thursday, prior to next Monday's FA Cup fifth round trip to Shrewsbury Town, next Thursday's return bout with Midtjylland and finally, the February 28 clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
TWITTER INSIGHT
The second time was the good one! I didn't have officialy scored but we won that's the most important! #TeamKonépic.twitter.com/5GXzjsadYV
— Lamine Koné (@LamineKone_23) February 13, 2016
What a joy today! Great victory and amazing support! #hawaylads#safcpic.twitter.com/IUKxsnyp7x
— Patrick van Aanholt (@_PvA_official) February 13, 2016
Time to stand up, work and take @manutd to the place it deserves
— David De Gea (@D_DeGea) February 13, 2016
QUOTES CORNER
Sunderland boss Allardyce on the importance of the win:
"It was a really good performance today with the right result.
"With a result as big as this one, I hope it lifts their confidence brilliantly for the big push to try to get out of the trouble that we are in."
Man Utd's LVG on his side's CL pursuit:
"It will be very difficult. It is still possible, but it is very difficult. The way with the Europa League is easier, I think, but also not so easy because there also you have a fantastic European level in that cup, so you have to fight for it.
"You can easily say ' okay, the other way' - but also you have to show your capacity, in every match, you have to show it and we didn't do that today."
STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta
1 - Sunderland have beaten Manchester United in the league at the Stadium of Light for the first time ever (W1 D4 L9). Bright.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 13, 2016
50 - Sunderland have now conceded 50 goals this season in the Premier League, two more than any other side. Open.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 13, 2016
2 - Wahbi Khazri has had a hand in two goals in his first two PL starts for Sunderland (one goal, one assist). Impact.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 13, 2016
41 - Manchester United have earned fewer points this season than in any other Premier League campaign after 26 games. Pours.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 13, 2016
33 - Man Utd have scored fewer goals after 26 league games than in any season since 1989-90. Shy.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 13, 2016
TEAM LEADERS
Goals - Jermain Defoe 10
Assists - Adam Johnson 6
Yellow cards - Billy Jones 8
Red cards - Younes Kaboul, Jeremain Lens 1
Man Utd
Goals - Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial 7
Assists - Wayne Rooney 5
Clean sheets - David De Gea 9
Yellow cards - Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling 6
