Manchester United have moved to the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 victory over Sunderland.

Memphis Depay tapped home from close range to give United the lead on the stroke of half time, before Wayne Rooney doubled their advantage 38 seconds into the second half.

Juan Mata added a third late on as United capitalised on Manchester City's 4-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the day.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at how United eased past their opponents, who remain rooted to the bottom of the standings.

Match statistics

MANCHESTER UNITED
Shots: 12
On target: 7
Possession: 66%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 12

SUNDERLAND
Shots: 9
On target: 4
Possession: 34%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 17

Was the result fair?

For much of the first half, Sunderland matched United every step of the way. The Black Cats kept as many as nine men behind the ball in the hope of stifling United's main attacking weapons, although they only had minimal joy in the final third due to the lack of players supporting Fabio Borini. However, once United nicked the opening goal just seconds before the half-time whistle, it was one-way traffic at Old Trafford as United eased their way to the Premier League summit.

They could have scored far more than the three goals that found the back of the net too. Depay missed a one-on-one chance for his second while Anthony Martial, who barely had a shot all afternoon, headed wide with his one and only effort. Sunderland had opportunities of their own in the second half, with Ola Toivonen and Patrick van Aanholt both testing David de Gea, but aside from those openings, United had it easy in defence and there was no doubting that they fully deserved maximum points on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester United's performance

After scoring three goals for the third game in a row, as well as keeping a clean sheet for the fourth time in seven attempts, you would think that everything is going smoothly for Louis van Gaal. However, like during the opening 45 minutes against Liverpool, the Dutchman would not have been impressed with his side's lacklustre first-half showing and he would have been preparing to read his players the riot act had Depay not converted from four yards just before the break. The former Netherlands coach would have been much happier with a second-half performance that showed much more intent, but the display was lacking individual moments of brilliance.

None of their illustrious stars stood out. In fact, the likes of Depay and Martial only produced their best football in fits and starts, while Mata's final ball was inconsistent, despite the Spaniard providing two assists. Rooney was almost non-existent for much of the game, although the relief was there for all to see after he ended his 11-match goal drought in the Premier League. Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin provided a calming influence in the middle of the park, but they need to step things up against better opposition.

Sunderland's performance

Before the game, Dick Advocaat promised that Sunderland would provide United with "a tough time", and for 45 minutes at least, he was good to his word. His team neutralised everything that United attempted to throw at them and they were well worth going into the break on level terms, had they been able to see the opening period out. Advocaat would have demanded a fast start to the second half after throwing on Steven Fletcher, but within 38 seconds, the gameplan was undone and it was largely a case of keeping the score down.

There were a few bright spots for Sunderland, though. Costel Pantilimon impressed between the sticks with a couple of decent saves, while Lee Cattermole produced the kind of committed, disciplined performance that has been missing all season. Younes Kaboul also had his moments in defence, but he was still a part of a backline who look a long way away from earning a clean sheet any time soon. Borini ran himself into the ground in attack, but because of the focus on defensive matters, he was devoid of any support.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Juan Mata: Some of his crossing from wide areas was poor, especially in the opening half hour, but after having a hand in all three goals, this award must go to Mata. The Spaniard would have feared for his place after the arrival of Depay and Martial, but the former Chelsea playmaker continues to be one of United's best players of the season.

Biggest gaffe

While a specific gaffe did not occur, the biggest mistake of the match resulted in Sunderland conceding the opening goal. A mistake in the middle of the park and Mata being allowed in behind the defence contributed to the easy finish for Depay, and that momentarily lapse in concentration proved pivotal in Sunderland losing the match.

Referee performance

As refereeing performances go, this was as comfortable as it gets for Mike Jones. There were no controversial moments during the entire match and all three of the yellow cards that he handed out could be justified.

What next?

Manchester United: United turn their attentions to the Champions League, where they will host Wolfsburg on Wednesday night.

Sunderland: Next weekend, Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light where they will welcome West Ham United.