The scoreline was the same as the one on that dramatic final day of last season, but the repercussions of the result could not be more different as Manchester United went 18 points clear at the top of the English Premier League with the easiest of 1-0 wins against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
A Titus Bramble own goal, via a cross-shot from Robin Van Persie, was more than enough for the champions-elect against a Sunderland side shockingly bereft of quality and confidence.
Sir Alex Ferguson did not put out a completely understrength side as imagined, with the likes of Robin Van Persie, Michael Carrick and Nemanja Vidic starting the game, although Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs were left out, keeping the F.A. Cup quarterfinal against Chelsea on Monday in mind.
The first half was all Manchester United, without even having to get out of second gear. Sunderland were woeful, giving the ball away constantly and clearly lacking in confidence going forward.
Almost all of United's attacks came down the left, with Ashley Young a constant menace. Left-back Alexander Buttner had the first real opportunity for United, walking through the Sunderland defense, before goalkeeper Simon Mignolet came and snuffed out the oncoming shot.
Mignolet again was alert to gather a pass from Anderson intended for the onrushing Buttner, before Sunderland felt they had a case for a penalty at the other end.
Craig Gardner took a heavy first touch just outside the box, with the ball bobbing up, and the Sunderland midfielder and Rafael had a coming together inside the penalty area with the former getting to the ball first with his head. The referee though waved play on much to the anger of the home side's fans.
Sunderland were extremely poor going forward, even if they had enough creative players in their lineup in Stephane Sessegnon, Adam Johnson and James McClean.
Mignolet was again called into action, this time to tip away Young's cross-shot, before the inevitable goal came about in the 27th minute.
Van Persie, of all people, was given acres of space on the left, with the Dutchman then allowed to coast into the box before smashing a ball across the face of goal, which took an initial deflection from Phil Bardsley, before nestling into the back of the net off Titus Bramble's knee.
Van Persie, not happy with just creating the first goal, tried to get his name on the scoresheet but his powerful freekick from 25 yards was well kept out by Mignolet.
Sunderland, clearly having received a few strong words from manager Martin O'Neill, came out in the second half with more purpose, putting more pressure on the ball, while also showing some intent to actually go forward and score.
The game was a turgid one though, lacking in quality as United, with an F.A. Cup quarterfinal replay against Chelsea looming large on Monday, coasted through the rest of the second period with the minimum of fuss, leaving Sunderland in serious danger of relegation.
