Sunderland vs Manchester United team news: Robin van Persie returns

Louis van Gaal brings his countryman back into the fold

Robin van Persie arrives at the Stadium of Light (GETTY IMAGES)

Louis van Gaal has been able to bring Robin van Persie back into the side for his second competitive game in charge of Manchester United.

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The Red Devils will take on Sunderland this afternoon at the Stadium of Light with the Dutchman in the starting XI in place of Javier Hernandez. He starts alongside Wayne Rooney.

There are other changes for the trip. Ander Herrera is replaced by Tom Cleverley. Jesse Lingard are also out of the side with Antonio Valencia coming in.

Danny Welbeck, who has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford this week, is among the substitutes.

For the home side, summer signing Jack Rodwell makes his home debut, however there is no Adam Johnson in the squad.

Former Manchester United defenders John O'Shea and Wes Brown start as centre-backs for Sunderland.

Teams...

Sunderland: Mannone, Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, Van Aanholt, Cattermole, Buckley, Larsson, Rodwell, Wickham, Fletcher.

Subs: Pantilimon, Jones, Bridcutt, Gomez, Altidore, Mavrias, Roberge.

Manchester United: De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Blackett, Valencia, Fletcher, Cleverley, Young, Mata, Rooney, van Persie.

Subs: Januzaj, Hernandez, Welbeck, Kagawa, Michael Keane, Amos, James.

Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)