The pressure was on Manchester United on Saturday when they hosted Sunderland at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Title rivals Manchester City had cut the gap at the top of the table down to three points with their win at Newcastle United earlier in the day, but United restored their advantage in the standings with a 3-1 victory over the Black Cats.

Robin van Persie, Tom Cleverley and Wayne Rooney fired the hosts into a 3-0 lead before Frazier Campbell set up a nervy end to the match with his goal.

Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action as the Red Devils made it five league wins in a row.

Match statistics:

Man Utd:
Shots 15
On target 6
Possession 50%
Corners 9
Fouls 13

Sunderland:
Shots 13
On target 10
Possession 50%
Corners 9
Fouls 10

Was the result fair?

Without doubt. United were unstoppable at times and cut Sunderland apart frequently with some incisive moves. The visitors made sure that it was a edgy finale when they pulled a goal back with 20 minutes left to play, but they offered very little before then.

Man Utd's performance

Sir Alex Ferguson will be annoyed with his side's sloppy end to the match, but he will only be purring with what came in the previous 80 minutes. Strong performances from Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia in the final third gave Sunderland little hope.

Sunderland's performance

After what was an awful first half, it took a third goal from United before the Black Cats woke up. While they did nothing to warrant a draw, they got the goal that they deserved.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Phil Jones: The 20-year-old was a model of enthusiasm as he chased everything down while linking up well in attack. He's clearly relishing his return to action.

Biggest gaffe

Wayne Rooney had the chance to make it 3-0 towards the end of the first half, but he somehow put his free header wide from all of eight yards.

Referee performance

Chris Foy could have probably booked Antonio Valencia for a foul on Jack Colback, but the official kept the cards in his pocket for the whole afternoon. It was what you want from a referee - an unremarkable display.

What next?

Man Utd: United face a tricky visit to Swansea City in the Premier League next Sunday.

Sunderland: Martin O'Neill will be eager for his side to pick up some points when they travel to Southampton.