The United machine rolls on and at close of lay United opened up a 18 point lead over close city rivals Manchester City. Following International week there is always the risk of injuries coming back but United players came back unscathed although Rooney had a complaint.
Two weeks since United last played so there was a few cobwebs to blow off early in the game. Buttner started instead of Evra and Anderson made a rare start in Midfield. RVP played the lone role up front with Kagawa as the link player between midfield and attack.
The game started slowly in the sunshine and it took a good 15 minutes before United made a threat when Buttner made a charge through only to shoot weakly at Mignolet. Carrick and Anderson were enjoying the possession in Midfield and Carrick is looking more assured each game that passes and it was link with Anderson that fed RVP on the flank and it seemed to take an eternity but RVP was held up by ex-United defender Phil Bardsley and he rifled in a shot that deflected off Bardsley and then Titus Bramble and into the Sunderland net.
RVP ran away thinking the long drought was over but it clearly was an own goal. Jonny Evans who was on loan at Sunderland came on to replace Rafael and United's defence coped very well with his loss.
RVP had a couple of pops at goal but Mignolet was on good form and McClean for Sunderland looked hopeful but a good tackle by Carrick prevented any damage. The second half saw United start well and anxiousness started to set in as Sunderland realised they had to put United under pressure.
De Gea had a injury when clashing with Vidic but came through ok. Sessegnon was causing United problems but his final decision or shot lacked belief. Bardsley was lucky to stay on after a rash challenge on Buttner but he got yellow instead.
Another Sunderland Loanee Danny Welbeck came on for Kagawa to help stretch Sunderland but Vidic came close with a header from a corner but just went wide. United saw out the final few minutes plus 6 minutes of injury time but Young did break and passed to RVP with Mignolet to beat but the keeper saved well. United won the game and 18 points now the difference.
Next up for United, Chelsea on Easter Monday in the FA Cup. Man of the match was Michael Carrick. His awareness and coolness on the ball was exemplary.
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