MANCHESTER (AFP) -- Louis Saha marked his first appearance of the season with the goal that wrecked Roy Keane's Old Trafford homecoming and salvaged an unconvincing victory for Manchester United against struggling Sunderland.

Saha's second half header brought relief for the French striker who has battled against injury since the turn of the year and for Sir Alex Ferguson, who once again saw his side struggle in front of goal.
But the Frenchman's strike -- his first since February – did nothing to mask the forward problems that have so far marred United's campaign.
For Keane there was nothing but frustration on his return to the stadium he graced for 12 years as player and captain before his controversial departure two years ago.
His side are without a win since the opening day of the season and while victory was never likely, a point seemed on the cards until Saha's 71st minute goal.
Keane ignored the rousing reception he received as he emerged from the Old Trafford tunnel for the first time as a visiting manager underlining the fact he was here on business and not to soak up the plaudits.
And his side showed a similarly single-minded approach as they set about stifling a stuttering United who are clearly struggling to rediscover the form that brought the title to Old Trafford for the first time in four years last season.
The absence of the injured Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo -- serving the final game of a three-match ban -- has left Ferguson's side without a cutting edge during the opening weeks of the campaign.
After managing just two goals in the opening four games, Ferguson introduced Anderson for his first appearance alongside Carlos Tevez.
But the new-look South American strike-force struggled to breach Sunderland's blanket defense during a frustrating opening half for the home side.
And on the one occasion they did link effectively, Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon reacted well to save Tevez's low shot after the Argentine had been sent clear by Anderson's exquisite through ball.
A neat one-two between Paul Scholes and Chris Eagles produced another good save from the visiting keeper but it was clear United would struggle to create many clear openings despite dominating possession.
Saha's introduction at halftime in place of Anderson was inevitable but the change did little to alter the pattern of the game.
Defending doggedly, Keane's side soaked up almost everything United could throw at them and when the champions did find a way through Gordon appeared in unstoppable form.
A one-handed save from Saha's powerful 57th minute volley reinforced the visitors belief they could claim a morale-boosting point after their recent difficult run.
But their luck eventually ran out when Saha marked his long-awaited return with the goal that released the tension around Old Trafford and helped United avoid falling further behind in the early stages of the title race.
Nani's right wing corner was directed towards the near post where Saha connected with the back of his head to divert the ball past the unfortunate Gordon