Demetri Mitchell scored the only goal of the match as Manchester United earned their first win since the opening day against Sunderland at Eppleton Colliery Welfare.
The 20-year-old midfielder scored a 49th-minute penalty he won after being fouled by Owen Gamble.
Although the goal prompted a reaction from the Black Cats, who piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, Man Utd held on for the victory.
United remain at the foot of the table, level on eight points with Sunderland.
See: Sunderland report | Man United report
Next fixtures
Sunderland: 2 Nov v Exeter (H), (PL Cup)
Man Utd: 4 Nov v Swansea (H), (PL International Cup)