WES BROWN handed his old boss a belated anniversary gift with an own-goal that sealed a win for Manchester United on the weekend of Sir Alex Ferguson`s 25th year in the dug-out at Old Trafford.
Brown’s own-goal, which came in first-half injury time was enough to hand United all three on Ferguson’s big day.
Steve Bruce brought Kieren Westwood and Phil Bardsley in for the injured Simon Mignolet and John O’Shea whilst Lee Cattermole returned for David Vaughan.
Ferguson kept everyone guessing as usual with Anders Lindegaard playing instead of the rested David De Gea. Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez were all selected in an attack-minded side.
The United goal came when Welbeck met a Nani corner to nod goalwards, Brown getting the final touch.
Half-time: 1-0
Welbeck came close from a similar position in the second-half but Hernandez blocked his team-mate’s effort.
Sunderland were awarded a penalty which was correctly overturned as the offending hand to have touched the ball was that of Black Cats striker, Ji.
Westwood kept Sunderland in it late on when he palmed a ferocious Rooney effort over from close-range on his full debut.
Full-time: 1-0
The Premier League breaks for 10 days now with Fulham our next opposition.
Manchester United: Lindegaard; Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic (c), Evra; Park (Carrick), Fletcher (Fabio), Rooney, Nani; Welbeck (Berbatov) & Hernandez.
Subs not used: De Gea (gk); Evans, Biram Diouf & Valencia.
Sunderland: Westwood; Bardsley, Turner, Brown, Richardson; Larsson, Cattermole (c), Colback (Meyler), Sessegnon (Elmohamady); Bendtner & Wickham (Ji).
Subs not used: Carson (gk); Gardner, McLean and Egan.
Attendance: 75 570
Referee: Mr L Mason
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