Boss hails super squad

Sir Alex reiterated his belief that the current squad is among the best he's ever assembled after United trounced Sunderland 4-0 at the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day.

The Reds boss made five changes to the team that beat Everton at Old Trafford last weekend but the squad's strength ensured United's winning form was never threatened.

"I said earlier in the season that I think this is one of my strongest squads and I think the players are proving that at the moment," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"We have some big games coming up and the players are all playing their part – Gerard Pique came on for Nemanja Vidic today, Ji-sung Park got his first match since March and other players got some valuable minutes, which is very important in terms of having everyone ready for what lies ahead."

Despite the manager's tinkering, United remained fluent going forward and solid at the back. In fact, Tomasz Kuszczak was only stretched on one occasion, tipping over athletically from Ross Wallace before the break.

"I thought we were very sharp and our passing was excellent today," the United boss said. "The first goal put us in the driving seat because Sunderland have been going through a sticky patch lately and I felt if we could go in front we would make it difficult for them. It was a marvellous move for the first goal and it was well taken by Wayne [Rooney]."