YOU just can't keep a good man down - especially if that man happens to be the inspirational Wayne Rooney.

The 19-year-old was pivotal to a rejuvenated England side beating Poland at Old Trafford last week, before repeating the feat for his club Manchester United at the Stadium of Light.

Even the most partisan of Black Cats' fans would have marvelled at the genius of Rooney. It's just a shame more Wearsiders weren't there to bear witness to his guile and craft or, the fact their side had contributed to a cracking Premiership clash.

The official attendance of 39,085 is impressive in comparison to most Premier League clubs but it still does not disguise the fact 9,000 seats remained empty for one of the season's most attractive fixtures.

Make no mistake about it Sunderland fans have turned their backs on the club after the traumas of recent years.

But many may regret sticking to their "I'm never going back" principles when given the opportunity to witness, among others, the world-class talent of Rooney; the clinical finishing of Ruud van Nistelrooy and the wing wizardry of United's own Charles Charlie Charles in Cristiano Ronaldo.

For 40 minutes, however, the Black Cats got their claws into the Red Devils and made a mockery of their status as Premiership big boys.

Dean Whitehead, Tommy Miller and Liam Lawrence snapped viciously at the United midfield giving them little opportunity to impose their considerable talent on proceedings.

Andy Gray added to the mix and upset the United back four on several occasions aided by Stephen Elliott and Andy Welsh, who provided impressive supporting roles buzzing in the holes behind.

And in defence the Black Cats' back four never gave Van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo or Rooney a sniff at Kelvin Davis' goal.

Indeed, Gary Breen was just as impressive on the offensive from set plays, and a lesser keeper than Edwin van der Sar between the sticks and the Sunderland skipper would have celebrated his second goal of the season.

Unfortunately, the brilliant Dutchman clawed his header, from Lawrence's corner, on to the upright in the 13th minute.

And it was the Holland international who thwarted Welsh's attempts to score after 26 minutes when Lawrence picked him out at the back post. The former Stockport County winger wanted too many touches and van der Sar managed to smother the ball before he could dig it out from beneath his feet.

But ultimately Rooney handed the Premiership's new boys a lesson of how harsh life can be in the top flight - if you don't take you chances - five minutes before the break.

John O'Shea, Ji-Sung Park and Van Nistlerooy all combined to set Rooney on his way to round Davis with almost nonchalant ease to open his side's account on the counter attack.

And with 15 minutes left the £27m striker revealed there is more to his game than just predatory instincts when he split the Sunderland back four with an exquisite pass to find van Nistlerooy to score his side's second. And he even provided the final touch when Giuseppe Rossi grabbed the third three minutes from time.

Sunderland can take consolation, however, that they were more than a match for one of the Premiership's top three for long periods of the game. They can also draw comfort that they won't be facing the formidable talents of Wayne Rooney every week.

Saying that, it's Michael Owen and Alan Shearer at St James' Park next week, followed by Arsenal two days later - cest la vie.

Read more about Sunderland here.