Advocaat: Sunderland are stronger than last season

The Black Cats are bottom of the Premier League table after six games without a win, but their manager insists they have improved since last term

Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat believes his struggling squad is stronger than last season as he eyes a surprise win at Manchester United on Saturday.

Advocaat guided the Wearsiders to Premier League safety in 2014-15 thanks to a strong run of form in April and May and subsequently signed the likes of Jeremain Lens, Yann M'Vila, Fabio Borini and Younes Kaboul.

The new arrivals have failed to improve Sunderland's fortunes, though, and they go to Old Trafford propping up the table having taken just two points from their opening six games.

A 4-1 home defeat to Manchester City in the League Cup on Tuesday further exposed Sunderland's defensive frailties, but Advocaat is adamant an upturn in form is just around the corner.