Louis Saha marked his return from injury with a vital winning goal as United just about overcame a well-disciplined Sunderland side on a nail-biting afternoon at Old Trafford.
The French striker, on as a half-time substitute for debutant Anderson, headed home a Nani corner 19 minutes from time to finally end the resistance of the visitors, who were inspired by a fine performance from goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Ex-Reds skipper Roy Keane returned to Old Trafford for the first time as an opposition manager, and included a host of former United players in his side - including the highly impressive Dwight Yorke in midfield.
Predictably, and completely correctly, Keane was afforded a rapturous reception on his return, and the sentiment continued to flow as both teams quickly assembled into a guard of honour for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who announced his retirement this week.
The veteran striker received a standing ovation from all corners of the ground, including the generous travelling support, before departing the spotlight after an impromptu embrace with Keane.
With two legends of the modern era suitably recognised, it was time for the focus to move quickly into the present, a shift which was facilitated in no small part by United's starting line up.
All four of the Reds' summer signings started for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, with Brazilian playmaker Anderson the latest debutant in attack.
Much of the Brazilian's debut was a frustrating affair, although he did show glimpses raw power to accompany his much-vaunted skill.
His first sniff of space resulted in a decent chance for Tevez. Following a slip by Yorke in the centre of midfield, Anderson advanced and released the Argentine on the left edge of the area.
Despite the acute angle, Tevez opted for a first-time shot which Gordon did well to parry out. Moments later, the Scot was called into action again as he clutched at a long-range effort from Eagles.
The Frenchman started the second half in place of Anderson, in doing so clocking up his first minutes of action since last May's Champions League semi-final exit in Milan.
Within 90 second he was heavily involved, as a harsh offside flag invalidated a right-foot shot which forced Gordon into action. Immediately sensing the new possibilities, the home fans were nudged into vocal action.
Gordon again saved the visitors, parrying a Hargreaves shot and gathering the rebound before Scholes could convert, but the Scot was caught cold when United finally took the lead after 71 minutes.
Nani fizzed in a superb left-wing corner which Saha converted, rising between Daryl Murphy and Nosworthy to head past the stranded goalkeeper.
Substitute Darren Fletcher, on for the impressive Nani, lifted a half-chance over the crossbar as United missed the chance to double their advantage. It mattered little, though.
The important thing was the garnering of another three points and, perhaps more crucially in the long-run, the return of Saha to provide a telling goal threat upfront
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