Leaks ´no bother´ to Ferguson as United plug gaps

Sir Alex Ferguson could have produced a list of excuses for Manchester United’s below-par display in their goalless Premier League draw away to Sunderland here at the Stadium of Light.

But, to his credit, the United manager preferred to concentrate on the resolute challenge offered by a Sunderland team managed by his former captain, Steve Bruce following a result that left the Red Devils two points behind leaders Chelsea ahead of the champions’ London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.

Ferguson has never experienced a defeat against a team managed by Bruce in the past decade, but this was an occasion when Sunderland were so close to giving their boss the victory he craves.

The odds were in favour of Sunderland even before Saturday’s kick-off when a sewage pipe burst in the ceiling of United’s dressing room, ruining some expensive designer suits and delaying the start by 20 minutes.

“It was one of those things — an accident,” said Ferguson. “The Sunderland staff were fantastic. It affected us a little bit, but not much.”

In fact, United’s supporters had to wait even longer than 20 minutes to glimpse the real Reds team as they were out-thought, outrun and outclassed until early in the second-half.

Ferguson could have attributed their stodgy opening 45 minutes to their midweek trip to Valencia in the Champions League.

However, the veteran Scottish boss said: “It’s always more difficult for teams who have played in Europe to play on the following Saturday, but we have plenty of experience of that.”

So what about the absence of Wayne Rooney? The England striker was certainly missed by United but Ferguson’s lack of concern was reflected in his decision to leave out Dimitar Berbatov, who did not make an appearance until changes were required at the start of the second-half.

Instead, Ferguson preferred to focus on Sunderland’s efforts after a result that left United still searching for their first away league win this season.

“You’ve got to give them credit. Their home form has been fantastic and we had to defend well.

“I’m satisfied. The Premier League is always a difficult league and Sunderland’s home form has been fantastic this season so I am well pleased with this result.”

The point left Sunderland in tenth place, a satisfactory start to the season for Bruce after a programme which has seen them face all the leading teams.

Steed Malbranque, once of Tottenham, has been given a new roving commission behind Sunderland striker Darren Bent.

Belgium-born Malbranque born, capped by France at under-21 level, was a major influence on this game and was adamant he hadn’t been offside when Sunderland did put the ball in the net in the second half.

“It’s shame because his performance warranted a goal,” Bruce said.

Now the test for Sunderland is to build on their performances against teams such as United, Liverpool and Arsenal.

“I’m delighted with the way we played,” Bruce added. “We just needed a break or to take one of those chances. Maybe that’s an Achilles heel for us.”

And he refused to get carried away by Sunderland’s early-season form, saying: “We had a great start last year, then were awful for three or four months, so I’m not taking anything for granted.

“We have performed very well against the big teams — now we’ve got to do it in the bread and butter games.”

Meanwhile, former United centre-half Bruce continues to wait for a victory in his managerial battles with Ferguson.

“We were close last year but maybe it might never happen,” he said. “You are always delighted if you take something from Manchester United.

“I thought today might have been the day. We even tried to sabotage the toilets — and that didn’t work,” joked Bruce.