Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits they have a good association with Sunderland.

John O'Shea and Wes Brown spent 13 and 15 seasons respectively at Old Trafford, amassing a combined total of 754 appearances.

Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley both came through the Red Devils' academy whilst Ferguson will be faced in the opposing dug-out by one of his stalwarts, Steve Bruce, who completed a trio of Sunderland managers with United connections when he followed Roy Keane and Ricky Sbragia as boss in the summer of 2009.

"Our association with Sunderland over the years has been interesting," said Ferguson.

"Steve has been under a bit of pressure but you only need to lose two games in this game today and you are under pressure.

"He has the mettle for it. He has had to cope with one or two injuries but he will get through that. He will be OK."