Bruce: defining part of our season is upon us

SUNDERLAND BOSS Steve Bruce has urged his players to bounce back from their mauling at Manchester United to set up an exciting conclusion to the season.

A depleted Black Cats side went down 2-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday as United maintained their place at the top of the Barclays Premier League table although the margin of victory did not start to tell the story of the home side’s dominance.

Alex Ferguson’s men won at a canter as injuries, suspension and ineligibility cut a swathe through opposite number Bruce’s resources.