Macheda saves Man United again

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON (Reuters) - Federico Macheda saved Manchester United for the second week running on Saturday when the 17-year-old Italian got the decider in a 2-1 win at Sunderland with his first touch seconds after coming on.

Macheda, whose brilliant debut goal in stoppage time secured a 3-2 win over Aston Villa last weekend, made another enormous contribution to the Premier League title race in the 76th minute after Kenwyne Jones had cancelled out Paul Scholes's opener.

Liverpool had earlier piled on the pressure with a 4-0 home win over Blackburn Rovers, helped by two from Fernando Torres, and Chelsea also led Bolton Wanderers 4-0 but ended up hanging on for a 4-3 win.

United, who have a game in hand on the chasing pack, remain top on 71 points with Liverpool second on 70. Chelsea are third on 67 with Arsenal fourth on 61 after they came from behind to win 4-1 at Wigan Athletic.

Newcastle United secured their first point under temporary boss Alan Shearer with a 1-1 draw at Stoke City while Middlesbrough claimed only their second win in 20 league games by beating Hull City 3-1.

Both north-east clubs remain in the relegation zone, however, with six games remaining.

Manchester United, who had lost to Liverpool and Fulham before their late recovery against Villa, were below their best again despite leading through Scholes's early glancing header.

FRAGILE DEFENCE