Shinji Kagawa has been included in Manchester United's starting lineup for their Premier League clash against Sunderland away from home this afternoon.

The Japan international midfielder will play in the 'hole' behind lone striker Robin van Persie for the Red Devils at the Stadium of Light.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has left out Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs from the squad for today's match.

Meanwhile, Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has opted to play Danny Graham as a lone striker today in the absence of leading goalscorer Steven Fletcher.

Stephane Sessegnon will play in an advanced midfield role for the Black Cats, who welcome former United full-back Phil Bardsley into the team.

Sunderland: Mignolet; Bardsley, Rose, O'Shea, Bramble; N'Diaye, Gardner, McClean, Johnson, Sessegnon; Graham
Subs: Larsson, Wickham, Kilgallon, Colback, Mangane, Mandron, Westwood

Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Buttner; Valencia, Anderson, Carrick, Young; Kagawa; Van Persie
Subs: Evra, Evans, Nani, Welbeck, Cleverley, Powell, Lindegaard