Sunderland ensured Manchester United suffered its worst start to a Premier League season in 21 years following a 1-1 draw between both sides at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The Red Devils had fallen to a first ever Premier League defeat to Swansea City last weekend but looked on course to bounce back with a win when Juan Mata opened the scoring in the 17th minute.
But the visitors were pegged back by the Black Cats when former Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell levelled for Sunderland from Sebastien Larsson’s cornerkick in the 30th minute.
Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone saved at Mata’s feet in the second half while a Larsson freekick sailed just wide as both sides saw out the match without further goals.
Afterwards, United manager Louis van Gaal stated ”We lacked creative passes in the final third and missed passes too often – it was either too slow or too hasty.”
The result already leaves Manchester United five points off the pace while Sunderland lie a point ahead of the Red Devils having also drawn its opening match of the season.
Matchday 2 of the Premier League will be completed when champions Manchester City host last season’s runner-up Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night.