The Black Cats took an early lead when Ross Stewart was brought down by U’s defender Lloyd Jones, who was subsequently sent off.
Stewart then converted from the penalty spot before Elliot Embleton doubled the hosts’ advantage with a free-kick.
Cambridge pulled a goal back through Paul Digby, before Stewart added his second, while Nathan Broadhead and Danny Batth also got on the scoresheet.
Here is how the ‘data experts’ at FiveThirtyEight predict the 2021/22 League One table will finish and whether or not Sunderland will be in the playoff picture at the end of the campaign:
1. 24th: Crewe Alexandra
Crewe are predicted to finish 24th in League One with 30 points. Photo: Pete Norton
2. 23rd: Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers are predicted to finish 23rd in League One with 38 points. Photo: Nathan Stirk
3. 22nd: AFC Wimbledon
Wimbledon are predicted to finish 22nd in League One with 38 points. Photo: Christopher Lee
4. 21st: Gillingham
Gillingham are predicted to finish 21st in League One with 41 points. Photo: Jacques Feeney