Sunderland Vs Manchester United: Player Ratings

Keiren Westwood - 7

Westwood's best game of the season I think, especially impressing on corners which have been such a weak spot for him so far. Could do nothing about either goal.

Ondrej Celustka - 6

Nice to see him back in the line-up and he delivered his usual lung-busting performance.

Jack Colback - 6

Could have done more on the ball but defended quite well. Another goal coming from his flank though must be a worry.

Valentin Roberge - 8

The pick of Sunderland's defenders. The pick of Sunderland's team for me.

John O'Shea - 5

Urrrrgh. Nothing more to add really.

Lee Cattermole - 7

Another fine performance from the returning former skipper. First half he was magnificent, but noticeably tired after the break as United stepped through the gears. In that sense, he encapsulated the Sunderland performance as a whole.

Craig Gardner - 7

Excellent in the first half before withdrawing though injury, especially off the ball. Helped himself to a cracking goal but should have done much much better with the chance after that when he failed to even get a shot away.

Ki Seung-Yueng - 6

Neat and tidy once again, but failed to really influence the game as much as he'd like.

Emanuele Giaccherini - 8

Another classy performance from the Italian. Created the goal and could, perhaps should, have had a couple himself.

Adam Johnson - 6

His enigmatic self. Created a couple of clear cut chances without ever truly looking all that interested. He is doing enough right now, but no more than that.

Jozy Altidore - 6

Battled hard which was admirable, but he needs a goal or two. Confident they will come for him.

Seb Larsson - 4

We aren't really allowed to swear on here.

Ji Dong-won - 6

Much better showing in what is definitely his natural position.

Connor Wickham - 5

Huffed, puffed, but never looked like blowing a house down.

Man Of The Match: Valentin Roberge

If not for one moment of absolute brilliance from the champions, we'd be talking about a gutsy rear-guard inspired point here and no one did more to keep Sunderland in this one than Valentin Roberge. There have been questions over whether he has the leap and will to compete for the Premier League but there are signs that he is just beginning to settle.

We'll have more match reaction in the coming days, just head to our Match Stream, HERE.