Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has praised his side's defensive performance during their 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Saturday.

The Black Cats made it four points from three games against some of the league's biggest sides with their win at the Stadium of Light, following on from a narrow defeat to Manchester City and a draw against Liverpool.

Sunderland still have the worst defensive record in the Premier League this season, but Allardyce believes that they are developing into a more sturdy outfit.

"I have got a very solid unit. Even though we conceded a goal as a team we defended very well against some of the bigger boys in the Premier League, who we know have spent huge amounts of money," he told the club's official website.

"We contained them very well and going forward today we showed a lot of quality on the ball at the right times to cause the Manchester United defence a lot of problems."

Sunderland are next in action against West Ham United on February 27.