Unanswered goals from Robin van Persie and Tom Cleverley have put Manchester United in command of their encounter with Sunderland after 45 minutes at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Van Persie opened his account for the afternoon with 16 minutes on the clock. Ashley Young sent over a cross from the left which was met by Sunderland defender John O'Shea. However, the former United player's clearance only found Van Persie, who sent the ball beyond the reach of Simon Mignolet from eight yards out.

The Dutch striker then went close to extending his side's lead three minutes later when his headed effort from a Phil Jones cross was tipped wide of the target by Mignolet.

However, just one minute later United were two goals to the good. Michael Carrick found his midfield partner Cleverley inside the area and the England international curled his effort into the right-hand corner of the net.

The home side continued to dominate the encounter and a link-up between Van Persie and Wayne Rooney resulted in the latter firing just wide of the target from close range with 25 minutes gone.

Just one minute later Sunderland managed to create an opening, but winger James McClean struck the ball into the side netting from a narrow angle. Had the Irish international squared the ball, he had three teammates waiting for an opportunity.

The remainder of the half was controlled by United, but they were unable to add to their tally.

Victory for United will see them extend their lead at the top of the table to six points.