Bruce: ‘We’ve got no complaints’

Steve Bruce was magnanimous in defeat, refusing to blame referee Lee Mason following the overturned penalty decision.

For a fleeting few seconds it looked like the Black Cats were going to be handed the chance to get back into the game but the penalty that had been awarded was overturned.

Speaking to The Official Site, Bruce said:

‘With the penalty shout the right decision was made. There wasn’t any real clarity on it even after seeing a replay.

‘It was a handball, we could all see that. Ultimately we’ve got no complaints and the right decision was made.

‘Defensively we were excellent. I can’t remember ever being as comfortable in a first half against a Manchester United team, but unfortunately we fell to a set piece.’