Team News: Robin van Persie returns for Manchester United

Robin van Persie has been included in the Manchester United starting lineup for this afternoon's Premier League trip to Sunderland.

The forward was given extended leave following his exploits at the World Cup with the Netherlands, but having trained for the last two weeks, he has been deemed fit enough to partner Wayne Rooney in attack.

Elsewhere, Tom Cleverley has been recalled to replace the injured Ander Herrera, while Antonio Valencia has also recovered from injury.

As for Sunderland, Connor Wickham will start up front alongside Steven Fletcher, with winger Will Buckley making his home debut for the Black Cats.

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

Man United: De Gea; Blackett, Jones, Smalling; Valencia, Young, Cleverley, Fletcher, Mata; Rooney, Van Persie

You can follow Sports Mole's live text coverage of the action from the Stadium of Light here.