Trai Hume's header set Sunderland on their way to a deserved pre-season victory against Dundee United at Tannadice. Northern Ireland defender Hume broke the deadlock early in the second half, before an own-goal from Charlie Mulgrew doubled the Black Cats' lead.
The win was Sunderland's first of pre-season, having lost against Roma in pre-season in midweek, and having seen their game against Rangers abandoned at half-time when they were leading 1-0 last weekend. Alex Neil gave latest signing Aji Alese his debut, with the former West Ham man playing the final 25 minutes.
This game also saw Bailey Wright play his first minutes of pre-season, with the Australian having returned to training later than the rest of his teammates following his involvement in World Cup qualifying over the summer. Here's how our Sunderland writer James Hunter rated the players.
READ MORE: Aji Alese outlines why he left West Ham United for Sunderland
Anthony Patterson 6
A couple of decent saves but also looked shaky at times when the ball was on the deck
Trai Hume 7
Solid at right-back, and scored the goal that set Sunderland on their way
Bailey Wright 7
Gave nothing away on his first pre-season outing
Daniel Ballard 7
Strong alongside Wright
Dennis Cirkin 6
Got forward whenever he could down the left
Corry Evans 7
Controlled the midfield
Dan Neil 7
Full of energy and got forward well - only denied a goal by a fine save
Patrick Roberts 7
Caused problems for Dundee United down the right
Alex Pritchard 7
Provided the creative spark in the final third
Leon Dajaku 6
Worked hard for the team
Ross Stewart 7
Got in the right positions, but just couldn't find a finish
Subs
Aji Alese 7
For Wright 63mins. Looked powerful and strong in his first run-out in red and white
Jack Diamond 6
For Stewart 63mins. Had one good chance at the end but couldn't make it count
Not used: Carney, O'Nien, Matete, Winchester, Gooch, Embleton, Clarke, Batth, Sohna, Taylor
READ NEXT
- Lynden Gooch reflects on Sunderland's Portuguese training camp, and looks ahead to the new season
- Alex Neil addresses Jack Diamond's Sunderland future as he promises to give him a 'fair crack'
- Alex Neil on Ross Stewart's fitness worry and Sunderland's lack of attacking cover
- Sunderland 0-2 Roma player ratings as Black Cats struggle to make an impression against Serie A side
- Sunderland 0-2 Roma match report as Black Cats end Portugal trip with a defeat
