Rooney shines as Man Utd beat Sunderland 3-1
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-10-16 15:02

Wayne Rooney scored one and made another as Manchester United saw off the challenge of Sunderland with a 3-1 away win on Saturday, sending the Black Cats back into the relegation zone.

A blistering break culminated in Wayne Rooney eluding Kelvin Davis and sliding the ball home for United's opener.

Rooney played in Ruud van Nistelrooy for the Dutch striker to double the lead before Stephen Elliott's long-range strike pulled a goal back.

Anthony Le Tallec then went close to equalizing before GuiseppeRossi scored his first United goal from 20 yards.

Sunderland played with great enthusiasm and commitment but, especially in the final third, lacked the quality that United possess in abundance.

After Rooney's 40th-minute goal, United's passing noticeably improved and it was no surprise when Van Nistelrooy extended the visitors' lead.

United, who play Lille at home in the Champions League on Tuesday, needed the three points to ensure they do not lose more ground on Chelsea, who thrashed Bolton.

But for Mick McCarthy the headaches remain - his team have still to win at home this season, or indeed take anything from a game after falling behind.

They created the first real opening, Edwin van der Sar pushing Gary Breen's near-post header against the woodwork and away to safety.

Sheer desire to win a series of 50-50 challenges then created an opening for Elliott, who quickly turned and shot just wide of Van der Sar's goal from 20 yards.

The home team continued to pressurise and should have scored when a cross fell to Andy Welsh in plenty of space at the far post,but he dallied too long on the ball, allowing Van der Sar saved athis feet.

United eventually threatened through Van Nistelrooy, whose shotwas deflected for a corner by a superb block from Nyron Newsworthy.

But despite a largely uninspiring opening 40 minutes from the visiting team, Rooney's goal outlined United's ability to turn defence into attack.