Angel Di Maria had long since departed by the time Wayne Rooney struck twice to challenge Louis van Gaal’s claims that Manchester United lack a 20-goal striker.
Di Maria was hooked at half-time after yet another poor performance. It was a humiliating exit for United’s record £59.7million signing.
Van Gaal insists he just needs time to adapt to the Premier League but there are concerns about the manner in which the Argentine has faded after a bright start. His contribution against Sunderland was negligible for a player of his pedigree. It has raised questions over whether Di Maria and his family have settled here, particularly after raiders targeted their Cheshire home last month.
However, Rooney has no doubts the former Real Madrid man has what it takes to be a success. ‘Today was one of those days that every footballer has,’ said the United captain. ‘He is a great player, he has shown that, and you don’t lose your talent overnight. I’m sure he will be a big player for us between now and the end of the season.’
After hearing his manager talk of the need for a striker capable of scoring 20 goals a season, despite playing him in midfield for much of the campaign, Rooney gave Van Gaal a reminder of what he does best. The England striker’s brace took his league total to 10 and made him the first player in history to hit double figures in 11 successive Premier League seasons.
‘I was obviously pleased the manager played me up front and delighted to get the two goals,’ said Rooney. ‘I’m ready to play there if and when he wants me to.’
Rooney scored his first from the spot after Wes Brown was controversially sent off by Roger East for fouling Radamel Falcao, when replays showed it was John O’Shea. Sunderland intend to appeal against the red and must do so by 1pm today in the hope it is overturned and Brown will be available to face Hull tomorrow. With East insisting it was not mistaken identity, and that he sent off Brown for fouling Falcao in the act of shooting, the red card cannot be transferred to O’Shea.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet said: ‘Wes is confused because the referee said he sent him off because he made contact with Falcao but he didn’t. He sent him off for something that didn’t happen.’
MAN UTD (4-2-3-1): De Gea 6; Valencia 6.5, Smalling 6, Evans 5, Rojo 6; Herrera 5.5, Blind 6.5; Di Maria 4 (Januzaj 46min, 7), Rooney 7.5 (Mata 86), Young 7; Falcao 6 (Fellaini 68, 6). Subs not used: Lindegaard, Carrick, McNair, Wilson. Booked: Valencia.
Scorer: Rooney 66, 84.
SUNDERLAND (4-1-4-1): Pantilimon 6; Reveillere 5.5, O’Shea 5, Brown 6, Van Aanholt 6; Cattermole 6.5; Johnson 5.5, Larsson 6, Gomez 5, Wickham 5.5 (Vergini 67, 6); Defoe 6 (Graham 67, 5.5). Subs not used: Bridcutt, Fletcher, Graham, Coates, Mannone, Watmore. Booked: Van Aanholt. Sent off: Brown.
Man of the match: Wayne Rooney.– Daily Mail