Red Devils too strong for Black Cats as Rooney bags double

A possible mix-up involving two ex-Reds dominated many of the headlines - but the record books will solely show a red card for Wesley Brown, and two goals for Manchester United which steadied the Old Trafford ship following last weekend's defeat at Swansea.

United controlled the game for long periods but, as has often been the case, lacked dynamism as Sunderland's massed ranks caused frustration.

Angel di Maria was hauled off at half-time as Louis van Gaal looked to lease life into his side's performance, and they grabbed the advantage on 66 minutes. Wayne Rooney fired home from the penalty spot - but the build-up to the penalty caused much controversy.

Under-fire Falcao skilfully controlled Ander Herrera's cross, and looked to turn between O'Shea and Brown. It appeared the Irishman then felled the on-loan Monaco man, but Roger East showed a red card to his team-mate, to mass protests from the visiting ranks. East has subsequently claimed that he saw contact on Falcao from both players.

Rooney later made sure of the result as he nodded home a Adnan Januzaj cross, with Sunderland never coming closer than an earlier chance for Connor Wickham.

This was a routine, unspectacular win - but just what the doctor ordered after the disappointment in South West Wales last weekend.

Full Time - Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland
Attendance - 75,344