Jack Rodwell's first-half header to cancel out Juan Mata's earlier strike has ensured that Sunderland and Manchester United have taken a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.

Manchester United's Spanish midfielder Juan Mata (2nd L) celebrates scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match against Sunderland on August 24, 2014 © Getty Images

The hosts very nearly opened the scoring with less than four minutes on the clock when Lee Cattermole struck an effort from 25 yards out, but his attempt ended up narrowly wide of the target.

Sunderland were the side asking all the questions in the opening stages of the match, but it was United who broke the deadlock courtesy of Mata, who tapped home from close range following a cross from Antonio Valencia.

Connor Wickham was the next Sunderland player to try his luck from distance shortly after in an attempt to bring his side level, only for his shot to drift wide of goal.

The game was all-square on the half-hour mark, though, and it was former Manchester City player Rodwell who headed home for the Black Cats from a corner after some poor defending inside the box.

Jack Rodwell of Sunderland celebrates scoring his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United on August 24, 2014 © Getty Images

Both Wayne Rooney and Steven Fletcher came close to firing their sides ahead before the interval, but neither could breach the goal and the teams went in level.

Much like in the first period, it was Gus Poyet's side who came closest to scoring in the early stages of the half, with Wickham doing well to control the ball inside the box before seeing his volley blocked by Tyler Blackett.

As the game progressed it started to become more stretched, but chances were few and far between, with Sebastian Larsson's curled effort from a free kick 15 minutes from time the closest Sunderland came to winning the contest.

United also went in search of a winner, but despite substitutes Adnan Januzaj and Danny Welbeck livening up proceedings, the Red Devils could not find a way through.