Scholes saves the day for United

Man United 2 Sunderland 1

Man United 2 Sunderland 1

England midfielder Paul Scholes snatched a dramatic last-gasp winner for Manchester United after a late comeback gave them a 2-1 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side appeared to be heading for their sixth defeat of the season after Juan Sebastian Veron's first-half own goal but Scholes' international captain David Beckham netted the leveller with nine minutes remaining.

Rio Ferdinand's long clearance bounced to Beckham who slotted past Jurgen Macho, who had been Sunderland's star performer all afternoon.

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Scholes then headed the winner with just seconds remaining to put United, albeit briefly, second in the Premiership table.

Sunderland took the lead when Paul Thirlwell's free-kick was fumbled by goalkeeper Fabien Barthez where Gavin McCann immediately lobbed back into the box, the ball looping off United skipper Roy Keane towards goal where Veron inexplicably headed it into his own net with Ferdinand behind him ready to clear.

However, Sunderland were indebted to goalkeeper Macho who produced a string of superb saves, particularly in the second half, to deny United.

The match also signalled £30million defender Ferdinand's first booking in the Premier League since October 1999.

PA