Jack Rodwell's headed goal has ensured that Sunderland go into half time level at 1-1 against Manchester United at the Stadium of Light.

The hosts very nearly opened the scoring with less than four minutes on the clock when Lee Cattermole struck an effort from 25 yards out, but his attempt ended up narrowly wide of the target.

Sunderland were the side asking all of the questions in the opening stages of the match, but it was United who broke the deadlock courtesy of Juan Mata, who tapped home from close range following a cross from Antonio Valencia.

Connor Wickham was the next Sunderland player to try his luck from distance shortly after in an attempt to bring his side level, only for his shot to drift wide of goal.

The game was all-square on the half-hour mark, and it was former Manchester City player Rodwell who headed home for the Black Cats from a corner after some poor defending inside the box.

Both Wayne Rooney and Steven Fletcher came close to firing their sides ahead before the interval, but neither could breach the goal and the teams went in level.