Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam insists their performance in defeat to Manchester United was not influenced by Sunderland's derby win.

Stoke were dealt a blow before kick-off when Sunderland beat Newcastle to climb above the Potters, who are only three points above 18th-placed Wigan having played two games more.

Adam insisted the Sunderland result made no difference, saying: "We were in the mix last week and we're in the mix again this week.

"It's going to be tough but we need to show a bit of character. We've got the quality in the dressing room and we'll just hope for some kind of bounce between now and the end of the season."