United make a change too - Will Keane, who has been in prolific scoring form for their U21 team, replaces Morgan Schneiderlin. They need another goal from him now, and quickly.

Both Sunderland's goals have come from January signings by the way. Will they get them the three points? Sam Allardyce thinks some fresh legs are needed, bringing on Ola Toivonen for Lee Cattermole.

AADZ :Mata and Carrick have been shocking today...Herrera?? What has he done to upset lvg?

Varun Sharma: Seriously is this the way United were thinking of challenging for title? They'll be lucky if they finish FIFth.

Job Ongaga: Creativity in ths Man Utd team must hav been forgotten somewhere...either in the training ground or changing room..

robert newman: Why does everyone have a go at Sam Allardyce? He's one of the best football managers. Look at the way Sunderland are playing. 

More good work down the left by Cameron Borthwick-Jackson who beats his man and then finds a team-mate in the middle. Memphis looks up and lets fly, but his low shot is easily snaffled by Vito Mannone.

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"Kone had to be in the right place, he just nicked it around the corner after a great ball by Rooney. This game is almost impossible to call."

Another centre-half goes close. This time Chris Smalling who stays up front following a United corner and, when Wayne Rooney curls in a deep cross, Smalling almost gets a decisive touch at the back post, only to be beaten to the ball by Lamine Kone.

Into the last 15 minutes and the game is getting stretched now, with both teams leaving men up the field.

Daryl Guard: After finishing the first half so well, United have been so poor in the second. What did van Gaal say to them?! 

Anthony Marshall: Says something about LVG and his tactics when we struggle against relegation candidates.

Makrozachopo stavros: A typical LVG-ish second half from United

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"The odd thing is United played very well in the first half, moving the ball very quickly. In this second half they have been bullied by Sunderland so far who have been the best team by a distance."

If United get a point, or more, from this game then they definitely have David de Gea to thank.

Sunderland centre-half Lamine Kone stays up the field following a free-kick and shows some neat skill to work space for a shot that is heading for the top corner until De Gea stretches out a big paw to claw it to safety.

Image source, Getty Images

Time for Sunderland's second change. Fabio Borini is coming on for Jermain Defoe.

Better by Manchester United, much better, with some incisive passing seeing them work the ball down the left before it is pulled back for Juan Mata inside the area. He gets plenty of power behind it but, unfortunately for United, Jack Rodwell throws himself in front of the shot to make a brave and important block.

Sunderland go direct this time, with a long ball up to Wahbi Khazri on the edge of the box. He brings it down well enough, but scuffs his shot as he attempts a first-time strike.

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea winger on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Getty Images

"Once again, how many times have we said it? De Gea brilliant. Sunderland have been much better in this second half."

Charles Kahanji: Sunderland have been impressive, not the type of play you associate with Big Sam.

IAMstan: Never doubt De Gea

... he does as well, lifting the ball over the wall but without generating the power needed to beat David de Gea.

More Sunderland pressure ends with Donald Love fouling Wahbi Khazri just outside the box. I think he is going to take this himself...

Time for a United change - they need to try something different here, and Memphis Depay is coming on for Jesse Lingard.

United are yet to get going since the interval, and they have their keeper David de Gea to thank for keeping the score's level. Dame N'Doye escapes down the right and charges into the area but is denied by De Gea's outstretched right leg. A vital stop.