Moyes: Sunderland are just like Fergie’s United

Sunderland manager David Moyes has compared his side to Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Moyes believes the Black Cats have the ability to put in performances at key times to avoid relegation, just as Ferguson’s side could step up to win big competitions.

After losing 2-0 at home to Manchester City last weekend, Sunderland are left at the bottom of the Premier League table – six points off safety.

With their game against rivals Middlesbrough postponed, Sunderland’s next match will be against Burnley on 18 March.

And Moyes believes his team’s previous experience of the relegation zone will benefit them in their remaining fixtures.

He said: “It is important for us as a team and important for everyone in this region.

Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images

“For the workers around the club it means an awful lot so we carry a lot of responsibility to make sure we make it happen.

“We have been in this position before and I’m hoping the experience of being in this position will make us better and help us with this run in.

“This is the time of the season you need your players to come into form and show what they are capable of.

“Players at the top peak at the right time to win leagues or win cups and Manchester United had a great habit under Sir Alex of timing that well.

“I think Sunderland have got that great habit of timing it well so that they aren’t relegated.

“We don’t want to be in this position but we are here and we need to use every bit of experience we have got to get out of it.”