Barton, Owen & more: Twitter reacts after Sunderland beat Man United

Manchester United slumped to their third successive loss after Fabio Borini’s penalty gave Sunderland a 2-1 first-leg lead in their Capital One Cup semi-final.

Nemanja Vidic had levelled for United in the 52nd minute after veteran Ryan Giggs had inadvertently handed the Black Cats a first-half lead before Borini scored the winner from the spot.

Here is a selection of our favourite Twitter reaction from the professionals, past and present, in chronological order to Sunderland’s League Cup win.

Former United striker Michael Owen ‏(@themichaelowen) reckons Sunderland are fortunate to be ahead – and not just because it was a Giggs own goal: “Disallowed goal, hit crossbar and dominated possession. Granted they are not looking like the Man U of old but they don’t deserve to be 0-1.”

Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock ‏(@dexblackstock23) finds it staggering that the reigning Premier League champions are relying on 18-year-old Adnan Januzaj: “Wow Man U!!! The worst part is the only person that can get them back in this game is an 18 year old.”

Former Middlesbrough star Jan Aage Fjortoft ‏(@JanAageFjortoft) hails Vidic after the centre-half scores a thunderous equaliser: “Love it when captains/players (in this case Vidic) just take responsibility and with all their strength stand up when you need it most #mufc”

Former United youth graduate Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) doesn’t paint Tom Cleverley in a great light: “Wow Cleverley gives ball away when it was an easy pass then gets beaten too easily then gives penalty away ! 2-1 Sunderland!”

QPR midfielder Joey Barton (‏@Joey7Barton) questions why Sir Alex Ferguson is sitting in the stands: “Great win for 5under1and. Man United on the ropes at the minute. Feel sorry for Moyes. He inherited a dynasty in decline […] Fergie is there again. Lurking in the shadows like the GrimReaper. I’ve got a feeling DM gets bullet and he emerges to save the day […] What was the point of him retiring. He’s at every game. Go on holiday. Play golf. Spend time with your family. Or friends Busy c*nt #fergie”

Perhaps former Norwich City striker Darren Huckerby ‏(@hucks6dh6) gives Barton his answer: “Another defeat for Utd, they’ll probably turn it round at Old Trafford but it makes you realise just how good Sir Alex was all those years!”

Another QPR midfielder Alejandro Faurlin ‏(@alefaurlin) praises a fellow South American: “Glad for Gus poyet!! Great win!! Really good manager!! And top person!!”

Ex-Sunderland midfielder Michael Gray (‏@mickygray33) feels the Black Cats merited their win: “What a fantastic performance from the lads.. Deserved to win but let’s not get carried away just yet.. Half time but well played boys #SAFC”

England legend Gary Lineker (‏@GaryLineker) gives his thoughts on the current United situation: “Not fair to judge Moyes until he’s had a decent crack of the whip in the transfer market. He knows the squad needs massively strengthening […] He needs 2 full-backs, central defender and at least 2 midfielders, all, needless to say, top class. Ain’t that easy though, not in January […] Yes, they won the PL last year, but old guard a year older. Opposition have upped their game. And the incalculable Fergie factor.”

Finally, ex-United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar ‏(@vdsar1970) hasn’t seen enough horrors for one night: “Watching English TV series on Dutch channel called Luther!! Scary stuff by the way!!”