AFTER the alarming defeats at Luton and Wigan, not to mention the home defeat to Liverpool, Sunderland almost made up for those in the most impressive fashion at Old Trafford.

In a fixture which did more to highlight the inadequacies or lack of form of the Premier League champions, Sunderland manager Roy Keane came within 20 minutes of claiming an unlikely result on his return.

Keane had clearly instructed his players with specific roles and for much of the encounter the defensive game-plan looked as if it was going to work.

Kenwyne Jones, the £6m striker bought from Southampton this week, held up play when he could and improved as the game went on as a lone striker.

Question marks over his work-rate will emerge after this showing, although it could have been that Keane wanted him to preserve his energy for the aerial duels with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

And Keane's other signing on show from the last seven days, Danny Higginbotham, delivered an almost perfect display that had Manchester United struggling to break through.

The £3m centre-back from Stoke slotted straight into a backline that has suffered from injuries. But, given the poor way Greg Halford has settled in so far, perhaps the appearance of Paul McShane as a right-back is a sign of things to come.

On this evidence Sunderland should hand McShane, Nyron Nosworthy, Higginbotham and Danny Collins another opportunity to shine when Reading visit the Stadium of Light in two weeks time.

United striker Louis Saha may have spoilt Sunderland's day out in the 71st minute, but for the first time in a few outings there were at least positive aspects to take from this showing.

United, though, will count themselves lucky. Further displays like this and the Premier League title will be heading for Anfield or back to Stamford Bridge.