Wayne Rooney got the ball rolling with a clipped finish from Rafael da Silva's cross, before Michael Carrick swept in.

BBC: Manchester United 5-0 Wigan

Arsenal suffered a setback three minutes later when Patrick Vieira, who was wearing a strapping on his knee and had been the victim of a heavy challenge from Michael Brown, limped off to be replaced by Gilberto Silva.

BBC: Arsenal sink brave Blades

With Michael Turner unavailable because of a four-match suspension, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce turned to Paulo da Silva to partner John Mensah in central defence, while captain Lorik Cana replaced the injured Lee Cattermole in midfield.

BBC: Darren Bent puts Sunderland in front