Manchester United's wretched campaign reached a new low on Wednesday after a penalty shootout defeat to Sunderland in a dramatic League Cup semifinal left the beleaguered English champions staring at a season without silverware.

Menawhile, Juan Mata was edging closer to joining United from Chelsea as they desperately try to strengthen their squad after a lackluster first half.

Sunderland will play Manchester City in the March 2 final at Wembley Stadium after goalkeeper Vito Mannone saved Rafael da Silva's decisive spot kick to seal a 2-1 victory in the shootout, after the semifinal finished 3-3 on aggregate after 120 minutes.

With barely a minute left of extra time, United was on the brink of going through on away goals after Jonny Evans scored a 37th-minute header to make it 2-2 on aggregate. But the match swayed Sunderland's way when United goalkeeper David de Gea fumbled in a shot from Phil Bardsley. Javier Hernandez forced penalties, though, by scoring in the first minute of injury time.

According to Britain's Press Association, United has lodged a 40 million pound (US$66 million) bid for Mata. United manager David Moyes would not take questions on Mata after losing to Sunderland.

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