Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson says his connection with Manchester United has been good for him.
Richardson won 12 England caps as a United player and has also worked under Old Trafford legends Bryan Robson at West Brom, as well as Roy Keane and Bruce on Wearside.
Yet he reckons every team goes out believing they are Manchester United these days.
He told the People: "Every manager I've played under has been strongly connected with United - Sir Alex himself of course, Bryan, Roy and now Steve Bruce.
"That's been a blessing for me. I know that when you've been at United, you have a certain inner-belief that stays with you. They are all their own men, with different personalities, but they have that belief that nothing is impossible and an absolute hatred of losing.
"It was like when we went to Chelsea a few weeks ago. We hadn't won away and they hadn't lost at home but the gaffer sent us out positively, believing we could win. Everyone was outstanding that day and to win 3-0 was phenomenal. But that's the way it is in the Premier League this season, I've never known a year like this."
