Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia says former club Manchester United are unconcerned over their recent poor results.

The two clubs face-off this weekend and Sbragia said: "I spoke to [United's assistant manager] Mick Phelan at the game last week. Everybody seemed concerned about Manchester United and he seemed quite relaxed about it.

"They have got a lot of quality. They say they are struggling, and they are top of the Premier League and they are still in the Champions League and the FA Cup as well.

"It would be nice to be in that situation and struggling."

Having worked under Sir Alex Ferguson during his time as reserve team coach at Old Trafford, Sbragia knows exactly what makes him tick, and the secret of his enduring success.

He said: "He has got desire and hunger, and he has moulded a fantastic foundation at Manchester United.

"He knows exactly what he wants and the players he wants, and he has got a great opportunity to bring the best players into the club.

"Most of the players there would have quality, but they have to buy into the way Manchester United have to play, and he has managed to do that over the years."