THEY might not have a manager, but Sunderland certainly have plenty of heart.

Two days after Roy Keane's departure rocked the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats produced a display of commendable discipline and effort to come within seconds of snatching an unlikely point at the home of the champions.

Nemanja Vidic's stoppage-time winner might have broken Sunderland hearts, but it should not detract from the immense effort that had gone into the 90 minutes that preceded it.

Regularly fielding nine outfield players and a goalkeeper within 25 yards of their own goalline, Sunderland restricted Manchester United to a handful of chances.

It didn't make for attractive viewing - few Premier League games can have been as one-sided in terms of possession - but few Sunderland supporters will be complaining about that.

After a week in which the players' attitude had been called into question following suggestions that Keane had lost the dressing room, this was a much-needed display of unity.

Each and every Sunderland player played their part, from goalkeeper Marton Fulop through to Djibril Cisse, who toiled manfully in a thankless lone striker role.

Caretaker boss Ricky Sbragia must also take some credit - his tactics and formation were spot on - and, in one respect, the former York and Darlington centre-half has taken some of the pressure off Niall Quinn.

Sbragia will not be Sunderland's next permanent manager, but if Quinn's search takes longer than expected, he is more than capable of manning the fort.

** READ A FULL REPORT AND ANALYSIS IN MONDAY'S NORTHERN ECHO **