Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland - Five Talking Points
Manchester United bounced back from the disappointment in Wales by a workman-like performance against Sunderland to earn a 2-0 win at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney scored a brace to end his 8-game barren run as he returned to scoring ways in no time after being pushed upfield by Louis van Gaal.United have made Old Trafford a fortress this season, and continued with the good work on Saturday.Here are the five talking points from the game:
#1 Return of Wayne Rooney
Fans were clamoring for this and they finally got what they wished for. Wayne Rooney returned to his favoured position up frontand the gamble paid off almost instantaneously. After his lengthy spell in the heart of midfield alongside Daley Blind, the Englishman featured alongside Radamel Falcao against Sunderland.
The move was more or less forced due to the unavailability of Robin van Persie, who is out due to an ankle injury. Rooney seemed in his elements throughout the game and was playing as the bridge between the midfield and Falcao. The skipper led the proceedings and was influential throughout the game.
He eventually halted his barren run of eight games as he scored a brace by opening the scoring from the spot kick andadding a second in the 89th minute. If only his fellow attackers had replicated the intent displayed by Rooney, the games scoreline would have something different.
Theseare the exact qualities that Manchester United have been missing up frontall season. If Manchester United really want to make a meal out of the race for the top four, theyll need their captain up top. Robin van Persies injury could indeed be a blessing in disguise for Rooney as well as United.