KELVIN Davis believes Manchester United may not intimidate and strike fear into sides the way they once did in the 1990s but insists it would be foolish to dismiss them as a spent force.

The Sunderland goalkeeper acknowledged there has been a changing of the guard in the Premiership and the balance of power has shifted to Chelsea.

The west London aristocrats have emerged from United's shadow to become the new superpower and now look set to dominate the Premier League in the way Sir Alex Ferguson's side did between 1993 and 2003.

Although Davis believes the Red Devils are not as 'scary' as they once were, he admits he is still wary of the damage they could inflict on the Wearsiders.

"There is an aura about Manchester United.

"Just saying the words makes you think of great things but there is no doubt they have not achieved what they would like to have achieved this season," admitted the 29-year-old. "But they are more than capable of giving anyone a drubbing.

"What can you say about their strike-force that hasn't been already said? We have to make sure we're up for the challenge. So we're wary of them but not scared of them."

Most youngsters harbour ambitions to play for Manchester United given their tradition and standing in the game.

Davis revealed the same can be said about him and many of his Sunderland team-mates when they were small boys in the park using jumpers for goalposts.

"If you ask most of the lads they'll probably admit they felt they could all play for Man United. It is the pinnacle," he said.

"I think Chelsea are now the standard-bearers for obvious reasons. But for me as a young lad I always thought, could it ever happen?

"But my point is when these games come up you want to show them what you can do. They are one of the top two or three in the country and we want to show them we can compete."

In Edwin Van der Sar United have one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

When manager Ferguson signed the Holland international from Fulham on a free transfer many inside the Old Trafford club felt they had finally found a genuine replacement for former favourite Peter Schmeichel.

Davis is a big fan of the Dutchman and acknowledged that his goalkeeping counterpart is one of the best there is - but hopes he does not justify this tag at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

"He is a fantastic goalkeeper and he proved that at Fulham," said Mick McCarthy's £1.25m signing from Ipswich.

"He finally got his move to Manchester United when everybody felt it would have been six months earlier.

"Technically he has it all. He has the size and the presence to go with it and he's been putting in top performances week in and week out.

"It'll be great for me to be playing opposite someone of his stature.

"But I hope he does not perform to his highest level and we manage to slip a couple past him."

The Black Cats have put together a four-match unbeaten league and cup run after losing their first five games of the season.

Despite a change of fortunes, the club is still precariously placed. Defeat on Saturday could leave them propping up the table once more.

"I think we would have liked to be in a better position coming into the game in terms of points," said Davis.

"Obviously we know it is going to be tough but we need to get something from the game.

"If we had picked up the wins we deserved against West Ham and West Brom we'd be going into the game a lot more relaxed.

"But we're used to that pressure and we will look to use it to our advantage, in terms that everybody has to be on their game and we can achieve a result."

Sunderland striker Anthony Le Tallec last night admitted he is finding his spell on loan on Wearside frustrating.

The France Under 21 international is expected to return to Liverpool at the end of the season. But he has hinted that he will probably head back to France.

Le Tallec has scored twice for the Black Cats since his move from Anfield but has featured only fleetingly.

He said: "When Liverpool bought Peter Crouch they told me I had to leave for Sunderland to get more experience.

"They also told me they rely on me for the future but I don't know if I want to stay. I need a club where I feel at ease.

"It is not easy every day at Sunderland but I tell myself that I am just here for one year.

"Sometimes it is a little boring to be a forward because I spend my whole time defending.

"At Liverpool, we always had some chances. Here, you don't have a lot.''

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