Manchester United players celebrated their victory over Sunderland by holding a low-key Christmas party last night.

The Mail on Sunday says hours after beating Sunderland 3-1 to hold a six-point lead over title rivals Manchester City, Robin van Persie, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Young led the festive celebrations at Rio Ferdinand's Italian restaurant, Rosso, in Manchester.

But there was no sign of Wayne Rooney.

The England striker had missed last year's get-together to watch boxer Amir Khan lose his title fight against Lamont Peterson at home on TV.

And Rooney may have decided to stay in again on Saturday night as Khan was due to fight Carlos Molina in Los Angeles.