Sunderland intend to stand by underfire manager Gus Poyet.

The Daily Mail says Poyet is under mounting pressure at the Stadium of Light after an alarming slide down the table, culminating in Saturday's dreadful loss against Aston Villa which sparked a supporter revolt.

The growing animosity from fans towards the Uruguayan has not gone unnoticed by the Black Cats' board.

The club's hierarchy want to show loyalty to Poyet after the manager's excellent work in keeping the Wearsiders up last season.