Friday 22 August 2014 10:11, UK
Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone insists his side can pile more misery on new Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal by earning victory at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The 20-time champions will certainly not be relishing the journey to the north east to face a side that twice defeated David Moyes' men last season.
The 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the league that went a long way to securing top-flight survival for the Black Cats and the victory in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg en route to Wembley showed that Sunderland do not fear the Red Devils.
And Mannone believes that fearlessness will stand them in good stead for Sunday's clash after United started van Gaal's reign with a 2-1 home defeat by Swansea.
"We have already proved that we can beat them," Mannone said.
"It was really good playing against United last season because we did so well.
"They are still one of the best teams in the country, so to win again would give us a massive boost for the next games."
The 26-year-old also admitted that, while he is initially ahead of giant Romanian keeper Costel Pantilimon in the pecking order, he knows a starting berth is not guaranteed.
"Every club needs two or three senior keepers," Mannone added
"You have to reassure the manager you are on top form, so it's down to me now."
