United are now in second place of the Premiership table with 76 points, six adrift of leaders Chelsea, who visit Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Holders Chelsea need just seven points from the remaining five games in order to retain their title for the third time in history.

In the 28th minute, Korean midfielder Ji-Sung Park sent a left-footed strike but it went off the outside post of Sunderland keeper Kelvin Davis.

Just one minute later, England international striker Wayne Rooney had a deflected strike that went past Davis but it dropped on to the roof of the net.

Sunderland went close to snatch the lead just before half time when Justin Hoyte sent a low-cross from the right flank but John Stead failed to deliver the ball into the net from a tight angle.