The EPL titleholders Manchester United were just two and half minutes away from an embarrassing 0-0 draw that will have seen them be 8 points behind the league leaders Liverpool. But thanks to Nemanja Vidic, the Champions’ fortune turned around.

With Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all enjoying good wins earlier in the afternoon, the Red boys had no other ambition in their minds but clinching victory at Old Trafford.

Due to a two-match ban, Fergie had to watch his team play from the stands whereas his former captain Roy Keane was nowhere to find in the stadium. The Irish man’s sudden though predictable departure from Sunderland after being 27 months in charge of the club left the Black Cats somehow by their own on the field. In a way, this incident had quite a positive effect on the visitors as they looked much more strengthened mentally.

Despite convincingly dominating the field with over 75% of possession in both halfs, breaking the deadlock remained a real enigma.

Cristiano Ronaldo was always present to launch attacks for the Reds, but the Golden boy had to be substituted due to fitness problems. Anderson came in for the number 7, while Tevez and Giggs completed Manchester United’s substitution.

Tevez had to combine with Berbatov and Rooney upfront in 4-4-3 formation to boost Man United’s chances of scoring a goal; unfortunately, even that could not empower the Reds to something concrete. Berbatov came close to hit the back of the net, but his header from 7 yards out could only go wide despite being unmarked.

Manchester United’s supporters were all up on their feet, wishing that something could happen. As time were running out, anxiety and urgency filled the Red warriors on the pitch who were determined to fight until the last second.

With less than three minutes to play in injury time, Michael Carrick gave out all he could in his last efforts on goal. His ball hit the post, but defender Nemanja Vidic was sharp enough to tap it past the goal line to ensure all three points for Manchester United.

The dream of retaining the EPL crown is still very much alive for the Red Champions although it could have been a complete different story.

There are no changes in the top four as at now; Manchester are still 5 points behind the leaders with a game in hand.

Written by: Angela Asante