Interim Manchester United boss Nicky Butt secured only his third victory as last season's Premier League 2 champions moved away from the drop zone.
Goals by Demi Mitchell, Scott McTominay and Devonte Redmond put the visitors 3-0 ahead at Eppleton Colliery Welfare on Monday night.
United defender Regan Poole, just back from suspension, was sent off for a second yellow card and Sunderland grabbed a late consolation by George Honeyman in injury time.
Two goals in six minutes in the first half set Butt’s side on the way to victory, with Mitchell giving them the lead from the penalty spot in the 27th minute after former United defender Donald Love had tripped Josh Harrop.