SCOTTISH international Don Hutchison looked forward to crossing swords with Manchester United tonight and conceded: "They are the best team in the League by far."

But the 29-year-old Tynesider, whose consistent displays on the right side of midfield have played a major part in the Wearsiders' eye-catching climb up the table, believes it would be foolish to treat Sir Alex Ferguson's men with too much respect.

Sunderland fell into the trap of being too wary in their League game at Arsenal, going 2-0 down in the first half before battling back for a point.

"In the first half we gave them too much respect, but in the second half we played our normal game and we out-fought them, nicked a draw and arguably could have ended up nicking a win," said Hutchison.

"At half time against Arsenal no-one would have given us a prayer to come back. But that is what the gaffer has instilled in us - good team spirit and we fight right to the end. We have learnt from that game and we won't make the same mistake again."

And Hutchison believes that Sunderland will be much more positive against Manchester United tonight, backed by a fiercely partisan home crowd.

"Knowing the gaffer's teams I think we will go at Manchester United right from the start - he's not one for sitting back and trying to nick a result."

Hutchison believes Manchester United's confidence will have suffered after losing at home to West Ham in the FA Cup at Old Trafford on Sunday.

He said: "Sometimes a defeat can work two ways - I would not have thought their confidence would have been knocked because they are the best team in the league by far.

"They have got top players, so I would not have thought that would be a problem.

"But they might be under a little bit more pressure than they would have been if they had beaten West Ham."

Hutchison does not believe Sunderland have any realistic hope of catching the runaway leaders, whatever happens tonight.

He said: "We owe it to ourselves and anyone else who might be chasing Manchester United to go out for a win and try to peg them back.

"But I would not have thought even the gaffer and the boys themselves see us as title contenders yet."

He added: "Second place has got to be a more realistic target for us. To finish second or third and qualify for the Champions League would be great.

"I don't think we can make up 13 points on Manchester United - not right now. But maybe in two or three years' time we will be up there, that's our aim.

"If you'd asked the Sunderland fans, the manager and the team at the start of the season I think they would have been happy to be in second place at this stage of the season. You've got to be realistic.