The Dutchman returns for the Red Devils.
SEE ALSO: Angel di Maria Manchester United transfer moves step closer.
Sunderland host Manchester United at the Stadium of Light with both sides still in search of their first Premier League win of the 2014/15 season.
The Blacks Cats took a point from the Hawthorns last weekend as they drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion, whilst the Red Devils started life under new manager Louis van Gaal with a shock 2-1 home defeat to Swansea City.
Opposite number Gus Poyet brings Wes Brown back into his starting XI for this game at the expense of Valentin Roberge, whilst Vito Mannone keeps his place in goal ahead of new signing Costel Pantilimon.
#SAFC: Mannone, Vergini, van Aanholt, Brown, O’Shea (c), Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell, Buckley, Wickham, Fletcher.
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 24, 2014
#SAFC subs: Pantilimon, Jones, Bridcutt, Gomez, Altidore, Mavrias, Roberge.
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 24, 2014
For United the big news is the return of Robin van Persie to the team, with the Netherlands international making his first appearance of the campaign following injury.
Van Gaal has something of a selection headache currently with all the injuries imposed upon his side and Jonny Evans, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Luke Shaw all miss out.
#mufc XI: De Gea; Jones, Smalling, Blackett; Valencia, Cleverley, Fletcher, Mata, Young; Rooney, van Persie #MUFClive pic.twitter.com/QvnY86GXCj
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 24, 2014
#mufc subs: Amos, M. Keane, James, Kagawa, Hernandez, Welbeck, Januzaj #MUFClive
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 24, 2014
SEE ALSO: best Premier League players 2014/15