The Bulgarian striker opened the scoring after five minutes when he headed home a cross from strike partner Wayne Rooney at the far post.

He struck again with a deflected shot in the 57th minute to deny Sunderland from extending their unbeaten run to four matches.

Egyptian wing-back Ahmed Elmohamady was included in Sunderland's starting line-up, playing as a full-back in their 4-4-2 formation.

He had a busy night trying to stop the threat of United forwards, who laid siege to the visitors' area and could have extended their advantage on several occasions.

Alex Ferguson's United are two points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who played two matches more.

Sunderland are seventh in the league table with 27 points from 19 games.

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