United 3 Sunderland 1

and Titus Bramble the slip to cross for a Rooney tap-in at the first post.

Any lingering tension was lifted and Old Trafford found its voice as the Stretford End aired its approval of Vidic warming up on the sidelines, followed by a rousing ovation when he replaced Ferdinand in the 68th minute. 

Despite United’s now healthy lead, Sunderland continued to threaten going forward and on 72 minutes got their reward as Sessegnon crossed to the far post for substitute and ex-Red Fraizer Campbell to nod home from close range. De Gea deserves credit for preventing Sunderland from making this a closer contest, but as United head into a busy Christmas period this is another game ticked off with a healthy league lead still intact.