Sunderland are through to the final of the Capital One Cup after overcoming Manchester United on penalties at Old Trafford.
The home side were just a minute away from a showdown with rivals Manchester City after a Jonny Evans header, before David de Gea spilled Phil Bardsley's effort into the bottom corner.
However, Javier Hernandez netted 60 seconds later to force penalties, but in an unbelievable shootout that saw just three spot kicks scored from 10 attempts, Sunderland edged it 2-1 after Rafael missed with United's final penalty.
Read below to see how the action unfolded.
Hello, and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Sunderland.
When the draw was made for the semi-finals, the expectation was that Manchester United would be returning to Old Trafford with an advantage. However, after their 2-1 defeat to the Black Cats two weeks ago, David Moyes's side have a fight on their hands if they want to make it an all-Manchester final at Wembley at the start of March.
Right then, how about some team news? Full details of both starting lineups and substitutes to follow.
MANCHESTER UNITED XI: De Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Buttner; Januzaj, Carrick, Fletcher, Kagawa; Welbeck, Hernandez
SUNDERLAND XI: Mannone; Bardsley, Alonso, Brown, O'Shea; Cattermole, Colback, Ki, Johnson, Borini; Fletcher
MANCHESTER UNITED SUBSTITUTES: Lindegaard, Evra, Jones, Cleverley, Giggs, Young, Valencia
SUNDERLAND SUBSTITUTES: Larsson, Gardner, Celustka, Altidore, Giaccherini, Vergini, Ustari
David Moyes has made five changes to the side that lost at the Stadium of Light. After netting against Chelsea at the weekend, Javier Hernandez has been handed a rare start, while Shinji Kagawa will make an appearance in midfield. Striker Wayne Rooney misses out once again with a groin problem.
Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has opted to leave Emanuele Giaccherini on the bench, with Adam Johnson being retained after his impressive displays in the Premier League. The Italian could be an important player to throw on in the final 30 minutes of the match.
The Capital One Cup may be regarded as a minor competition by the majority of the top teams, but it could represent Manchester United's only realistic chance to win a trophy. They are in the last 16 of the Champions League, but on current form, they won't progress when faced with a major team, so overturning tonight's deficit could turn out to be crucial for their campaign. Lose here, and it's very much about finishing in the top four in the Premier League table.
As for Sunderland, a run of just one defeat in 10 games has generated some much-needed optimism on Wearside. Poyet has won a total of eight games in 19 matches in charge of the Black Cats, and a ninth this evening would earn them a place in the League Cup final for the first time since 1985.
However, it should be noted that 25 games have passed since Sunderland last won at Old Trafford in a major competition, a record that stretches all the way back to 1968!
There's less than 15 minutes until kickoff in Manchester. How about a quick prediction?
PREDICTION! If Manchester United can score an early goal, then you would expect them to net a couple more. However, if Sunderland can hold out for the opening 30 minutes, their confidence will grow, and given their current form, it wouldn't surprise me if they can nick a 1-1 draw, or at the very least, get through to extra-time with a 2-1 defeat.
For those of you who don't know, Manchester United are closing in on a bumper deal to sign Chelsea's Juan Mata, with an offer of £35m reportedly being offered for the Spaniard.
The two teams are heading onto the pitch at Old Trafford. Apparently, 9,000 Sunderland supporters are in Manchester. Great effort! Can they cheer on their team to a memorable triumph? Only time will tell.
Manchester United get us underway.
United have dominated possession in the early stages, but it's Sunderland who threaten first. A break down the left from Marcos Alonso sees the Spaniard drill a cross into the box, but it's clear by the home side.
The home side have a free kick after an extremely late challenge on Adnan Januzaj from Fabio Borini. He's fortunate not to earn a booking.
SAVE! Vito Mannone has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but he denies his reported suitors with a stunning save from Javier Hernandez, who had rose above the Sunderland defence to get a header in on goal from six yards.
Ki Sung-Yueng tries his luck from 30 yards, but his effort is lacking in power and it trickles wide. The weak nature of the shot almost saw Adam Johnson nip in and deflect the ball on target.
Apart from that one Hernandez chance, Sunderland have started well. They don't look overawed by the occasions, and United are going to have to work hard to break the Black Cats down.
Sunderland are having plenty of joy down the left through Alonso, but his final ball has left a lot to be desired. However, if Manchester United keep giving him time and space, one of these opportunities will pay off.
CHANCE! Fabio Borini breaks clear of the Sunderland midfield, but he is surrounded by several defenders. However, he opts to let fly with a dipping volley from 25 yards that only just clears David De Gea's crossbar.
Sunderland are receiving plenty of encouragement here. Lee Cattermole receives the ball in a two-on-two situation, but he is eventually forced to turn back and play the ball back towards his own goal. The home side need greater urgency in midfield, because that's where they are losing the ball.
United attempt to offer a response, but they are being prevented in running up a head of steam by a resilient Sunderland backline. The noise from the crowd has increased, but it's more out of hope than expectation. This isn't a typical Manchester United performance, or maybe it is now?
Manchester United work a crossing opportunity down the left but Alexander Buttner's delivery is deflected into the hands of Vito Mannone. We have reached that 30-minute mark, which I believed was crucial to Sunderland. Let's see how they do from here.
Sunderland earn a free kick on the right-hand side, which Adam Johnson is showing a great deal of interest in. It's poor from the former Manchester City man, though, and it's headed clear by Shinji Kagawa.
GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland (Evans)
After Darren Fletcher struck a post a minute earlier, United take the lead. A corner was flicked on by Danny Welbeck for Jonny Evans, who was waiting at the back post to nod in for three yards.
Fabio Borini does well to work a corner off the shins of Rafael. It's a fine delivery from Adam Johnson, with Wes Brown seeing a header cleared by Alexnader Buttner. It could have been going wide, but Buttner wasn't to know.
Danny Welbeck has pulled up with what appears to be a thigh or hamstring injury. That could be his game finished.
Scratch that, Welbeck looks to have recovered. He looked in some trouble a minute or two ago. It's all Sunderland at the end of this first half, but they don't look like testing De Gea.
HALF TIME: Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland
It's been a disappointing first half at Old Trafford, but Manchester United have the advantage after that Jonny Evans header. However, Sunderland have had their moments, and it would be foolish to think that this is now a foregone conclusion.
The half-time statistics don't really do Sunderland any justice. United have had 55% of possession as well as having seven shots on goal to Sunderland's four. The visitors are edging it on corners, but they are going to need a goal at some stage tonight if they want to retain a chance of reaching Wembley.
Sunderland have plenty of options on the bench. Jozy Altidore, Emanuele Giaccherini and Sebastian Larsson could all be introduced if they can't find the back of the net in the opening 15 minutes after the break.
Neither manager has made any changes at half time. I'm sure a couple could follow if we have an early goal...
Sunderland get us back underway.
United immediately win a free kick on the edge of the Sunderland penalty area. It's Adnan Januzaj who steps up, but his left-footed effort clears the bar by a couple of yards.
Shinji Kagawa has had another quiet game for United, but he plays an excellent ball down the right for Rafael, who wins a corner. From the resulting set piece, the Brazilian received the ball on the edge of the area before driving a shot marginally over the bar.
It's Sunderland's turn to break forward, and the bravery of Steven Fletcher earns his team a corner. A threatening cross is excellently headed out by Chris Smalling, who has to react fastest once more to deny John O'Shea a clear opportunity.
EFFORT! Adam Johnson collects the ball on the edge of the penalty area, before driving the ball marginally wide. It took a slight deflection off Michael Carrick, but the nick wasn't seen by the referee. Understandably, Johnson isn't best pleased.
SHOT! Shinji Kagawa is gradually becoming more influential in this game, and his trickery in the middle of the pitch starts a sweeping move. The break concludes with Adnan Januzaj firing the ball inches past the near post, but he will feel as though he should have done better.
This is turning into a cracker of a second half, and Sunderland are more than in this. A neat spell of possession ends with an over-ambitious ball into the box from a central position, but Gus Poyet will be happy with what he is witnessing.
SUBSTITUTION! David Moyes flinches first and makes his first change. Shinji Kagawa has been replaced by Antonio Valencia.
BOOKING! Fabio Borini goes into the book for a kick on Jonny Evans after the whistle.
CHANCE! Antonio Valencia has everyone inside Old Trafford on their feet with a powerful run down the right, but after pulling the ball back for Adnan Januzaj, the attacking midfielder sliced his shot disappointingly wide of the post.
CLOSE! Adnan Januzaj is proving once again that he is an immense talent, and he nearly doubles United's tally after cutting inside from the right, only to see his shot deflected over the bar. It was very similar to that of Samuel Eto'o's goal against United at the weekend.
15 minutes remain at Old Trafford. At this stage, I should remind you that away goals only count AFTER extra-time, so as it stands, we will be having an extra 30 minutes.
Sunderland enjoy a superb period of play deep in the Manchester United half, and the home side are defending excellently to keep hold of a clean sheet. Adam Johnson and Fabio Borini are providing a great outlet for the Black Cats.
EFFORT! What an effort! Marcos Alonso picks up the ball in an innocuous position on the left, but he surprises David de Gea with a stunning left-foot volley that fizzes inches wide of the far post. That was close!
SUBSTITUTION! Gus Poyet finally decides to make his first change, bringing off Lee Cattermole for Craig Gardner.
SUBSTITUTION! Patrice Evra is coming on for Alexander Buttner, who appears to be struggling with an injury. Just one more left remaining for Moyes.
The changes are coming thick and fast now. Fabio Borini, who suffered a knock a couple of minutes ago, is replaced by Jozy Altidore. Four minutes to go at Old Trafford!
The substitutions have disrupted Sunderland's growing dominance, and it is United who are finishing the stronger. They earn a corner on the right, but it's easily cleared by the visitors. Can they take it to extra time?
There will be three minutes of added-on time.
Sunderland work the ball down the right to earn a throw by the corner flag. Phil Bardsley whips a ball into the box, and although it is missed by the United defenders, it doesn't fall for a Sunderland attacker.
Manchester United earn a free kick 20 yards from goal after a driving run from Javier Hernandez. They couldn't, could they...?
Mannone just about claims the ball as it was heading into the top corner! We have extra-time.
FULL TIME: Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland
Manchester United could have stolen that with that last-gasp free kick, but it would have been extremely harsh on Sunderland, who deserve a crack at extra time.
United get the extra period underway.
United have made a fast start to extra-time, but Sunderland hold firm. There looks a few weary legs out there. Both sides have one change remaining, so they will need to use it wisely.
Manchester United have been forced to withdraw Michael Carrick from the action after the midfielder went down with an ankle problem in the technical area. Phil Jones is on in his place.
CLOSE! Steven Fletcher wins a free kick for Sunderland on the edge of the Manchester United penalty area. Craig Gardner takes responsibility for the set piece, but sends the ball just over the bar.
Adam Johnson and Phil Bardsley combine to earn a corner kick after a sliced clearance from Phil Jones. David de Gea comes out to punch the ball clear, but the visitors have the ball once more, with Bardsley dragging a long-range shot wide.
CHANCE! United should be ahead. Javier Hernandez is played in behind the Sunderland defence and he is under no pressure. Surely he must score? He doesn't even hit the target after slicing a left-foot shot wide. He looks embarrassed after that.
Sunderland are making a terrific fight of this. Ki combines with Steven Fletcher, only for the Scot to see his shot deflected wide for a corner.
HALF TIME: Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland
We are back underway. 15 minutes to go. How will this pan out? Your guess is as good as mine!
Jozy Altidore completely misses his kick when advancing into the penalty area, but he manages to win a throw for Sunderland, who maintain possession and push United back. The home side are holding on!
BOOKING! United break through the impressive Adnan Januzaj, but he is cynically pulled back by Craig Gardner, who is deservedly booked.
This is end-to-end stuff! Adnan Januzaj accelerates towards goal, but instead of passing to Phil Jones, he opts to shoot from 20 yards, only to see it saved by Vito Mannone. Up the other end, Ki Sung-Yueng jinks past a couple of players and wins a corner for his side.
Jozy Altidore powers past a couple of defenders before earning yet another corner. Steven Fletcher heads over from the cross, and Sunderland still haven't had a shot on target!
Sunderland come so close to securing a place at Wembley. Phil Bardsley turns inside the box before firing the ball agonisingly across the box where no-one is there to meet it. Sunderland have two minutes to save themselves. United are still holding on!
GOAL! Manchester United 1-1 Sunderland (Bardsley)
UNBELIEVABLE! I don't believe what I have just witnessed. Phil Bardsley's 20-yard effort was straight at David de Gea, but the Spanish stopper has smothered the ball into his own net. But wait...another goal...
Manchester United 2-1 Sunderland (Hernandez)
Oh my word. Wow. Adnan Januzaj has saved David de Gea's blushes by working his way down the left before crossing for Javier Hernandez, who had an open goal, but proceeded to hit the ball into the net off the bar.
FULL TIME: Manchester United 2-1 Sunderland
Penalties coming up. I am stunned. Sunderland are stunned. Can they pick themselves up?
Manchester United 0-0 Sunderland Craig Gardner sends Sunderland's first penalty over the bar!
Manchester United 0-0 Sunderland Danny Welbeck does the same thing!
Manchester United 0-0 Sunderland Unbelievable! David de Gea saves from Steven Fletcher.
Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland Darren Fletcher gives United the lead. Big penalty coming up for Sunderland.
Manchester United 1-1 Sunderland Marcos Alonso gets Sunderland on the board with a fantastic spot-kick.
Manchester United 1-1 Sunderland Vito Mannone saves from Adnan Januzaj! It's 1-1 after three penalties each.
Manchester United 1-2 Sunderland Ki Sung-Yueng gives Sunderland the lead after sending De Gea the wrong way.
Manchester United 1-2 Sunderland Phil Jones blazes over! Unbelievable. It will be Adam Johnson to step up to put Sunderland into the final.
Manchester United 1-2 Sunderland De Gea saves! It's a poor penalty from Adam Johnson.
Manchester United 1-2 Sunderland Rafael misses! Absolute scenes at Old Trafford. Sunderland are in the final!
SUNDERLAND REACH THE CAPITAL ONE CUP FINAL!
After the most astonishing end to a match that you could imagine, we witnessed the worst set of penalties that you are ever likely to see. Sunderland won't care. They are going to Wembley!
Three penalties were scored out of 10. THREE!
The Sunderland supporters are going crazy. Shirts are off and everything. That's how much it means to them.
For clarification, Rafael's penalty was saved by Vito Mannone, who has really blossomed into a top goalkeeper at the Stadium of Light.
That will be all from Sports Mole for this match, but please, please keep your eye out for all of the reaction from Old Trafford. Goodbye for now.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
