Whitehead a fitness doubt for Sunderland

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia could be without captain Dean Whitehead for tomorrow’s clash with Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Whitehead is rated at only 50-50 to make the game as he battles against a calf injury, although fellow midfielder Teemu Tainio could return after five matches out with a knee problem.

Defender Calum Davenport, who was ineligible for last weekend’s trip to West Ham under the terms of his loan deal, returns to contention, but Sbragia is likely to be without full-back George McCartney (calf) and striker David Healy (groin).

Team (from): Fulop, Gordon, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Ben-Haim, Collins, Nosworthy, Davenport, McShane, Edwards, Malbranque, Whitehead, Leadbitter, Richardson, Reid, Tainio, Murphy, Jones, Cisse.