John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Atmosphere fairly quiet so far, needs a goal to lift this game."

Image source, Reuters

Louis van Gaal looking pensive alongside Ryan Giggs on the United bench. Plenty of possession for the hosts so far. 

Image source, Opta

Juan Mata over it and slams the ball straight into the Sunderland wall. The Black Cats got away with one there. Very poor communication in the visitors' defence. 

Right old mix-up in the Sunderland defence between Younes Kaboul and Costel Pantilimon, which ends up with the goalkeeper handling outside the box. United free-kick.

United hit Michael Carrick at the front post, his flick falls to Morgan Schneiderlin but his effort is well wide. 

Image source, Reuters

John O'Shea bundles Anthony Martial over, conceding a free-kick. When the ball is played quickly to Juan Mata, his deflected shot is wide. Corner.

Sunderland have conceded 10 of their 13 Premier League goals in the first half this season but they are looking fairly organised so far as Manchester United keep the ball ahead of them. 

First chance for Sunderland as a deep free-kick is cleared out wide to Younes Kaboul on the left wing. He whips in a deep cross and John O'Shea heads it goalwards but it's an easy save for David De Gea. 

More pressure from the hosts as Michael Carrick plays in Memphis Depay, but he cannot reach the pass and after a bit of a struggle with the Sunderland defence, it goes out for a goal-kick.

Juan Mata takes it, but it is poorly struck and cleared easily at the front post by Sunderland. 

Great play by Anthony Martial, who tricks Fabio Borini and then waltzes past Lee Cattermole before being fouled. Free-kick to Manchester United on the edge of the box.

Image source, Reuters

Matteo Darmian sprints down the left now for Manchester United, gets to the byeline and crosses deep but it just too high for Anthony Martial as it flicks the top of his head. 

Michael Carrick back in the Manchester United side today and seeing plenty of the ball. Wayne Rooney struggles to take advantage as Sunderland give the ball away in their own half. 

Manchester United's Juan Mata plays a nice ball in behind for Antonio Valencia, who breaks forward from full-back, but he cannot control the ball before it goes behind the goalline. 

Both teams exchange long passes forward that come to nothing. Fabio Borini gives Lee Cattermole the thumbs-up.

We are under way on a warm autumnal day in Manchester. Referee Mike Jones blasts his whistle and we are off. Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands watching on.

A reminder of the two teams today as they come out of the tunnel and shake hands. 

Image source, Opta

Image source, Opta

There have been a few cheers already at Old Trafford before the action has even started. Manchester City's 4-1 defeat by Tottenham means that a win today will put Manchester United top of the Premier League. 

Are they title contenders now? You can tweet us on #bbcfootball, external, add your thoughts on the Match of the Day Facebook, external page or text us on 81111. 

If you agree with that or reckon Sunderland can overturn the form book, get in touch. 

You can tweet us on #bbcfootball, external, add your thoughts on the Match of the Day Facebook, external page or text us on 81111.

BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Getty Images

Football journalist Julien Laurens was on BBC Radio 5 live last night and suggested there is a theory in France as to why Anthony Martial has started off so well at Manchester United.

"Because your defences in the Premier League are nowhere near as good as in Ligue 1, the defending he faced wasn’t world class and that’s helped him settle so well and it’s great for his confidence. 

"The one game he didn't score in was the game against a foreign side - PSV. 

"I'm surprised people in England hadn't heard of him. He was the next big thing in French football since he was 12."