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Manchester United 3-0 Sunderland: Five talking Points as Rooney Breaks his Duck

Maybe the Louis van Gaal project does not require United to play amazing football and just gain the results to make them a force once again. Manchester United climbed to the top of the table for the first time since Louis van Gaal’s reign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford.

Louis van Gaal
Louis van Gaal

While City ended up losing 4-1 to Tottenham, United did not slip up and ensured they end this week at the top of the Premier League table. Goals from Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata gave United the victory as we look back at the game and highlight the five major talking points.

On top of the world

While most Manchester United fans would not be happy with the style of football at times, the results speak for themselves. Sure Manchester City might have had a blip in their form but United have ensured that they keep chugging along. Louis van Gaal certainly has got them getting the right results, they now sit on top of the League, one point clear of City, and not many would have predicted this at the start of the season.

Drought? What goal drought?

Wayne Rooney finally got his first goal of the league campaign, but it was the hard work of Anthony Martial which should be applauded. The Frenchman was a handful for the Sunderland defence and could have scored himself, but he was unselfish as he was trying to set up his teammates. Sunderland were at sixes and sevens trying to deal with the 19-year-old, while Rooney would be glad that he scored the goal, which all but set up United for the win.

Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney

Daley Blind’s passing is incredible

While Blind is often played as a centre back, that is not his natural position, Blind would prefer to be played in the centre of midfield, and well at least his passing range seems to show that. Blind was exceptional in the game with his vision and ball distribution. He provides United with another dimension and rather than just hoofing it and hoping for the best, it seems there is a purpose to the passing. He helped in the set up for the opening goal for Depay and looks to be a great asset to Louis van Gaal’s side.

Sunderland were alright for half of the game

When teams who are low on confidence come to Old Trafford, they seem to go into a shell and cling onto dear life. Sunderland were exactly that and for 45 minutes, they frustrated United and seemed on their way for a point at least, until Depay scored that is. The goal took away any confidence that Sunderland might have built up and they never had a chance to get back into the game. Sunderland fans must fear the worst now and keeping Dick Advocaat as the manager might seem as a decision made in haste.

Could United stay at the top?

Manchester United will look to kick start the season with a win over Spurs
Manchester United

Well, the Premier League is still in its initial stages but Manchester United are on top of the league. A couple of weeks ago it seemed that the title race is all but over with Manchester City seemingly running away with it but how things have changed. United might be getting the results now, but they do not have the strongest squad and somehow they don’t seem to be doing enough to claim a ‘title favourites’ tag. Cue a few more weeks and if United are still on top, they could actually end up winning the league. That would be some doing, wouldn’t it?