Team News: Radamel Falcao starts against Sunderland

Manchester United have reinstated Radamel Falcao to their starting XI for their home Premier League clash this afternoon against Sunderland.

The Colombian striker is one of five changes made by Louis van Gaal, with Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia also drafted in.

Robin van Persie is out with an ankle problem, Marouane Fellaini and Paddy McNair drop to the bench, and Phil Jones and Luke Shaw are not included in the team.

For the Black Cats, Ricky Alvarez misses out on today's game at Old Trafford after picking up a knock, while Santiago Vergini and Danny Graham are among the substitutes.

In their place come Patrick van Aanholt, Jordi Gomez and Connor Wickham.

Man Utd: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Evans, Rojo, Blind, Herrera, Young, Di Maria, Rooney, Falcao Subs: Lindegaard, McNair, Carrick, Fellaini, Mata, Januzaj, Wilson

Sunderland: Pantilimon, Reveillere, van Aanholt, Brown, O'Shea, Cattermole, Larsson, Gomez, Johnson, Wickham, Defoe Subs: Mannone, Bridcutt Fletcher, Graham, Coates, Vergini, Watmore

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