LONDON (AP) — Manchester United rode their luck Saturday as England captain Wayne Rooney scored twice in a 2-0 win against struggling ten-man Sunderland, but his success was overshadowed by another refereeing controversy in Premier League football.
One week on from the fury at Chelsea’s home clash with Burnley, referee Roger East was at the centre of an alleged case of mistaken identity at Old Trafford.
Rooney scored from a penalty after 66 minutes when Radamel Falcao was fouled by John O’Shea and referee East sent off Wes Brown, instead of O’Shea, leaving the visitors to struggle on with ten men. Ironically, both defenders are former United players.
O’Shea, who clearly pulled Falcao back as he was about to shoot, pleaded with East to send him off instead, but Brown was shown the red card and walked.
East explained later, in a statement issued by the referees’ body that he believed he saw both players make contact with Falcao, but added that none of the officials at the match offered any guidance.
Rooney scored his second six minutes from time to ensure victory and lift United back to third in the Premier League behind leader Chelsea and second-placed defending champion Manchester City, both of whom did not play Saturday.
Chelsea meet Tottenham Hotspur in the English League Cup final on Sunday when City visit Liverpool and Arsenal host Everton in the Premier League.
Saturday’s win confirmed United’s challenge for a return to the Champions League on a day when Southampton, the only other top team in action, were beaten 1-0 by improving West Bromwich Albion.
West Ham United’s fading bid for a place in Europe was hit in the day’s early fixture when they lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace while Swansea won 1-0 at Burnley, Newcastle beat struggling Aston Villa – under the new management of Tim Sherwood – 1-0 and Stoke overcame Hull also by one goal.