Manchester United welcomed relegation-threatened Swansea City to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon knowing that a win would move them into third position.
Both teams had chances in what was an open first 45 minutes, but it was Man United that entered the interval with a 1-0 lead courtesy of a penalty from Wayne Rooney.
Swansea levelled in the 79th minute through a Gylfi Sigurdsson free kick, however, as the points were shared at Old Trafford.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from Old Trafford as Manchester United welcome struggling Swansea City. Both of these teams are in need of the points, but for very different reasons. Indeed, Man United are pressing for a top-four finish, while Swansea are desperately attempting to stay in the Premier League. Stay tuned for all of the action right here!
This afternoon will be the 29th meeting between Man United and Swansea, and it is Man United that lead the head-to-head 13 wins to Swansea's 10, while the remaining five fixtures have finished level. Between August 2014 and August 2015, Swansea actually won three straight Premier League games against the Red Devils, but the 20-time English champions have won their last two against the Welsh outfit.
Indeed, Man United ran out 2-1 winners in the corresponding fixture at Old Trafford last season, while they recorded a 3-1 victory when they travelled to the Liberty Stadium earlier in the 2016-17 campaign. Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news...
TEAMS!
UNITED: De Gea; Young, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Herrera; Lingard, Rooney, Martial; Rashford
SWA: Fabianski; Naughton, Mawson, Fernandez, Kingsley; Britton, Ki, Carroll; Sigurdsson, Llorente, Ayew
Man United boss Jose Mourinho has made four changes to the team that started Thursday's Manchester derby, with Ashley Young, Luke Shaw, Jesse Lingard and Wayne Rooney all coming into the XI. Marouane Fellaini misses out through suspension, while Paul Pogba is still injured. The big team news comes on the bench, however, as Juan Mata makes the 18 after recovering from groin surgery. There is also a spot in the squad for 20-year-old midfielder Scott McTominay - what a day for him!
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As for Swansea, head coach Paul Clement has made one change to the team that beat Stoke City last time out, and that comes in midfield as Ki Sung-Yeung replaces Leroy Fer, who has dropped to the bench. Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jordan Ayew will again support lone forward Fernando Llorente in the final third of the field, while Tom Carroll and Leon Britton will provide invention from the middle of the park.
So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild late morning in Manchester. I shall speak about Swansea and their position in the table a little bit later, but let's start with the home side Man United, who as mentioned, will enter this match off the back of a goalless draw away to Manchester City in the Manchester derby on Thursday night.
In truth, the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium was not a classic, but an excellent defensive performance from the Red Devils secured a vital point. As a result, Jose Mourinho's side are now unbeaten in their last 24 in the Premier League, with a total of 64 points leaving them fifth in the table – one point behind fourth-place Man City, and just two points off third-place Liverpool.
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Man United have been excellent on the road this season – winning 10 of their 16 Premier League matches, suffering just two defeats. Home form has been a problem, however, with the Red Devils sharing the points in nine of their 17 Premier League games on home soil. Incredibly, the English giants only have the eighth-best home record at this stage of the 2016-17 campaign.
West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City and Burnley have all won more home games in the Premier League this season than Man United (7), but Mourinho's side have only been beaten once in the league on home soil – back in September against Man City. Old Trafford has brought a lot of frustration for Man United this season, but they will fancy their chances of triumphing in this game.
In terms of what is ahead for Man United, they will travel to Celta Vigo on Thursday night for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, before the small matter of a trip to top-four rivals Arsenal in the Premier League next weekend. Then comes the second leg of their Europa League semi-final on May 11, before visiting title challengers Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on May 14.
Hands up if you're back in the #MUFC squad! 🙌 #MUNSWA pic.twitter.com/sgDXjSL3oa — Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 30, 2017
Man United will then finish the 2016-17 Premier League season with games away to Southampton and at home to Crystal Palace, and Mourinho will also be confident of having a Europa League final to look forward to at the end of May. There are two chances for Man United to secure Champions League football for next season – a top-four finish in the Premier League and winning the Europa League.
As for Swansea, Clement's side are fighting desperately to remain in the Premier League. A record of nine wins, four draws and 21 defeats has brought Swansea 31 points, leaving them in 18th position in the table. They are just three points 17th-place Hull City, however, and a positive result this afternoon would leave the supporters dreaming of escaping the bottom three.
After failing to win on any of their first 10 visits to Old Trafford in all competitions, Swansea have now been victorious in two of their last four. Worryingly, however, the Swans have picked up just seven points from their last 48 available on the road in the Premier League, and have failed to score a single goal in their last three away from home. It is a tough ask for the Welsh outfit this afternoon.
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Former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich assistant Clement has won six of his 15 Premier League games in charge of Swansea, however, which is the best win ratio (40%) of any manager for the Welsh side in the top flight of English football. Key player Gylfi Sigurdsson also loves playing against Man United, having scored two and assisted three in his last five appearances against the Red Devils in the Premier League. Indeed, he has scored in each of his last two appearances at Old Trafford.
In terms of what is ahead for Swansea, they will host Everton in their next Premier League game on May 6, before travelling to Sunderland in what could be their biggest match of the campaign on May 13. Their season will then finish one week later at home to West Bromwich Albion, and it does appear that the battle to stay in the division this season could go right to the wire.
Since gaining promotion from the Championship in 2011, Swansea have finished 11th, ninth, 12th, eighth and 12th in the Premier League. There have been signs of trouble over the last couple of seasons due to a constant change of management, however, and although Clement has picked up some strong results, it could prove to be too little, too late for the Welsh club this season.
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Here we go then - both sets of players have joined us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. Victory for Man United would move them into third position, while a win for Swansea would see them move level on points with 17th-place Hull City. Let's hope for an entertaining clash at Old Trafford!
KICKOFF! Man United kick things off on home soil...
... it must be said that there is a brilliant atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. Both sets of supporters have been in fine voice in the build-up to kickoff, and it has been a bright start from the home side as they start to make ground in forward positions. I fancy some goals this afternoon.
Ayew looks to test Bailly after racing into the Man United box, but the Ivorian centre-back wins the free kick after standing strong. It has been a decent start from both teams, with Swansea not afraid to commit players forward. Rashford already looks full of beans in the early moments here.
Swansea are seeing plenty of the ball at the moment as the away side continue to enjoy possession in the middle of the park, with Man United almost playing on the counter-attack here. Swansea manage to break into the home side's box through Ki, but his cross is wild, bringing a goal-kick.
Really good stuff from Swansea at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third. Man United are almost just waiting for their chance to break through Martial and Rashford.
Looks to be another injury for Man United as Shaw goes down and stays there.
It does not appear that Shaw will be able to continue here.
MAN UNITED SUB! Valencia replaces Shaw for the home side.
Swansea have been the better team in the opening 12 minutes of this match, with the Welsh outfit moving the ball quicker in the final third of the field. The away side's full-backs are also very advanced, which is forcing Martial and Lingard back. Excellent from the visitors at the moment.
CHANCE! Swansea come close to taking the lead as Bailly's clearance hits Sigurdsson, and the Iceland international's effort just misses the post. Man United need to wake up!
SAVE! Big chance for Swansea once again as Llorente turns inside the Man United box before looking to beat De Gea, but the Man United goalkeeper makes a smart save. The home side are absolutely all over the place at the moment as the away side continue to dominate.
BOOKING! Britton (Swansea) is booked for bringing Rashford to the deck.
Awful free kick from Blind as his free kick drifts straight out for a goal-kick.
SAVE! Brilliant chance for Man United this time as Martial delivers a sensational ball onto the foot of Lingard, but the winger cannot beat Fabianski at his near post. Big moment!
BOOKING! Martial (Man United) is booked for a foul on Naughton.
Another dangerous moment inside the Man United box as Sigurdsson's free kick causes all sorts of problems, but the home side manage to clear their lines through Bailly. Man United have been very strong defensively in recent months, but Swansea are enjoying themselves at the moment here.
Man United continue to panic in possession as Swansea dominate the ball.
CHANCE! Big chance for Man United as Young finds the head of Rooney with a cross from the left, but the Red Devils captain heads over the crossbar. Strange contact!
Swansea win a free kick in a dangerous position as Young brings Ki to the deck...
... SAVE! De Gea shuffles across to keep out a free kick from Sigurdsson.
Rashford looks to drive into the Swansea box after regaining possession in a dangerous position, but the England international cannot escape the attention of three white shirts. Well, 28 minutes on the clock at Old Trafford, and Swansea have been, without question, the better team here.
SAVE! Brilliant from Martial as the Frenchman dances past Mawson before curling one towards the bottom corner, but Fabianski is on hand to make the save. More like it!
SAVE! Super save from De Gea to keep out a strike from Ayew!
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining at Old Trafford, and Man United have needed their goalkeeper to make a couple of excellent saves in order to keep the score goalless here.
Half-chance for Man United as Carrick meets a near-post corner from Rashford, but the Englishman turns wide of the post. The home side have had opportunities to make the breakthrough at Old Trafford, but they have had to ride their luck down the other end of the field.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at Old Trafford, and there is a stoppage in play following a high challenge from Rashford on Fernandez, who has been brilliant so far this afternoon.
Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, and that is mainly down to Man United's performance, which has been extremely disappointing. The players need to do more to raise the crowd, but Swansea must be credited for their performance at Old Trafford this afternoon.
Martial stays down after an aerial challenge with Llorente.
CHANCE! Lingard sends one just wide of the post after finding space just outside the Swansea box. Still goalless as we approach the half-time interval at Old Trafford.
BOOKING! Lingard (Man United) is booked for a late tackle on Ayew.
Martial delivers another dangerous cross into the Swansea box, but Mawson clears his lines.
We are into the first of two additional minutes at the end of the first period.
PENALTY MAN UNITED!
Man United have a penalty as Fabianski brings Rashford to the deck!
It is harsh on Swansea. Not sure there was too much contact!
GOAL! Man United 1-0 Swansea (Rooney, pen)
Rooney sends his penalty into the bottom corner to send Man United ahead!
HALF-TIME: Man United 1-0 Swansea
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Man United leading 1-0 against Swansea courtesy of Rooney's penalty in first-half stoppage time. It is tough on the visitors, however, who were the better team for long spells of the first 45 minutes at Old Trafford.
STATISTICS! Swansea actually shaded the first-half possession with 51%, while the visitors had seven attempts - three of which were on target. Man United, meanwhile, hit the target with three of their six attempts in the first period. Three yellows to report - Britton, Martial and Lingard.
BENCH WATCH! Swansea boss Clement has a number of attacking options on his bench this afternoon, with Baston, Fer and Montero all capable of making a difference in the second period. Man United, meanwhile, have the likes of Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata in reserve. Mourinho has already been forced into a change at Old Trafford, however, with Valencia replacing the injured Shaw.
RESTART! Swansea resume the action at Old Trafford...
... no changes from either manager at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both Mourinho and Clement will have alterations in mind as the second period develops here.
You just get the feeling that Swansea need to score the next goal if they are to stand a chance of picking up something this afternoon. Not an awful lot to report in the early stages of the second period, although Man United are having decent possession of the ball in forward positions.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Rooney as Herrera finds the Red Devils captain inside the Swansea box, but the England international's effort strikes the back of Martial!
Swansea have another free kick in a dangerous position as Young brings Naughton to the deck...
... CHANCE! Sigurdsson picks out Llorente with a super free kick, but the ball flashes off the top of the striker's head. That is a massive let-off for the home side here.
Half-chance for Swansea as Ki dances clear of Lingard before finding Llorente inside the Man United box, but the away side make a mess of the opportunity, allowing Valencia to clear his lines. It is a very open game at the start of this second period, with both teams committing players forward.
Swansea continue to deliver long into Llorente, and the Spaniard is causing all sorts of problems with his power and presence. Man United are having plenty of the ball down the other end of the field, but it is more open than Mourinho would like. I would be surprised if there were not more goals here.
More concern for Man United as Bailly goes down following a challenge with Llorente.
Bailly seems fine to continue, but the Ivorian is not too pleased.
Little over 30 minutes of normal time remaining at Old Trafford, and the game is still delicately poised. The home supporters will not be able to settle unless a second Man United goal arrives.
Bailly is down again, and he might not be able to continue.
MAN UNITED SUB! Darmian replaces Bailly for Man United.
SWANSEA SUB! Fer replaces Ki for Swansea.
SAVE! Fabianski keeps out a curling Martial strike as Man United threaten!
SWANSEA SUB! Montero replaces Britton for the away side.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with the referee heavily involved due to the number of late challenges. Swansea still have a big chance to get something here.
Mourinho can still make one more change in the latter stages of this match, but I am not sure whether the Portuguese will make an alteration until at least the final 10 minutes. Knowing Man United at the moment, Valencia or Young will pick up an injury in the next few moments.
Montero looks to have pulled a hamstring for Swansea. Massive blow if that is the case.
SWANSEA SUB! Olsson replaces Montero for Swansea.
Swansea call for a penalty as Young challenges Olsson inside the Man United box, but the free kick goes to the home side. It was a sickening clash, but both players walk away from it.
There is a real sense of nervousness inside the stadium at the moment as Swansea continue to enjoy possession in the final third of the field. Man United are not an attacking threat as it stands.
SAVE! Fabianski palms a Valencia effort away!
CHANCE! Chance for Swansea down the other end as Ayew feeds Sigurdsson, but the Iceland midfielder fires over the crossbar. Opportunities at both ends here!
Still more than 10 minutes of football to play at Old Trafford, and Swansea are really forcing the issue as they continue to enjoy possession in the final third of the field. It remains 1-0 Man United.
Swansea have a free kick in a dangerous area as Rooney fouls Ayew...
... GOAL! Man United 1-1 Swansea (Sigurdsson)
Sigurdsson picks out the top corner with a super free kick to level the scores here.
MAN UNITED SUB! Mkhitaryan replaces Rooney for Man United.
Martial misses the crossbar with a rasping strike as Man United look to hit back.
Little over five minutes of the second period remaining at Old Trafford, and it remains 1-1. Man United are on the front foot, however, as they look to score a late second here.
SAVE! Fabianski keeps out a Lingard header from a Young cross.
Carroll misses the crossbar with an effort from outside the Man United box.
Still time for Man United, but not too much is happening at the moment.
BOOKING! Fernandez (Swansea) is booked for a rash challenge on Martial.
Rashford goes for goal from a free kick, but his effort is straight out. Awful.
We are into the first of six additional minutes at Old Trafford.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Swansea as Sigurdsson finds Llorente with a super free kick, but the Spaniard cannot make contact and De Gea can claim.
Corner Man United as Fernandez turns away under pressure from Martial...
... Rashford's corner is straight into the arms of Fabianski.
Stoppage in play as Kingsley goes down under a challenge from Rashford.
Young over-runs the ball, and that is that.
FULL-TIME: Man United 1-1 Swansea
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Man United missing the chance to move into third position in the table as they are held to a 1-1 draw by Swansea. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. Until next time!
