United forced to settle for a point

Manchester United laboured to a ponderous 1-1 draw away at Sunderland on Sunday that delivered a first Premier League point of the season but laid bare their dire need for reinforcements.

Juan Mata’s opening goal on 17 minutes proved a unique scoring opportunity while their lack of a commanding centre half was exploited by an unmarked Jack Rodwell for Sunderland’s equaliser.

Earlier, Tottenham tore apart Queens Park Rangers to produce a stylish 4-0 rout that showcased the expressive attacking football demanded of new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

QPR have no points from their first two games after being promoted back to the Premier League after a season in the second tier.

Ten-man Hull City came within six minutes of holding on for victory over Stoke City but Nikica Jelavic’s opener was cancelled out by Ryan Shawcross’s scrambled effort late on.

Hull, who had James Chester sent off after 14 minutes, have four points from their first two games of the season, while Stoke’s late leveller ensured they got off the mark.