Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has admitted that Memphis Depay's strike on the stroke of half time was crucial to his side's 3-0 win over Sunderland.
The Red Devils were frustrated by Dick Advocaat's men at Old Trafford for 45 minutes until the Dutchman converted from close range in stoppage time in the first period.
Rooney then notched his side's second goal a minute after the restart and Juan Mata secured the victory late in the match to hand Louis van Gaal's side the three points.
The United skipper told the club's official website: "It was tough. We knew that from last season and Newcastle earlier in the season; they make it difficult, put bodies behind the ball and defend with their lives. They're trying to stay in the league.
"Memphis's goal before half time was a massive goal for us. If we didn't get that, Sunderland had something to fight for and something to hold on to.
"It gave us a little bit more space in the second half and we played some good stuff and created some chances. In the end it was quite comfortable and a good win."
United moved top of the Premier League with their win over the Black Cats.
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