Criticism of O’Neill astounds Fergie

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes it is an insult for anyone to question the self-belief of Sunderland counterpart Martin O’Neill.

Speculation over O’Neill’s future as Black Cats boss has rumbled on for most of the season as the club’s fortunes have nosedived.

Sunderland were in the Premier League’s bottom three until they beat fellow strugglers Reading, only their third victory of the entire campaign, and few expect them to record a first win over United at Old Trafford since 1968 when the sides meet today.