The Red Devils' strike force of Nani, Anderson, Chris Eagles and Carlos Tevez were playing together for the first time and it looked as though the Wearsiders might claim a point on boss Roy Keane's return to Old Trafford.

But substitute Saha, back in the fold after a long-term injury lay-off, scored the only goal with 19 minutes to go, heading in a corner from the left after replacing Anderson at the break.

Ferguson hailed the Frenchman's impact and told Setanta 1: "We have missed him. We're delighted to have him back as we got the win today.

"He has come through fine, having been out for such a long time you're always aware that type of injury can come back again."

Ferguson added: "In the first half I thought the passing was far too slow, although the possession was comfortable we were not making chances and it is difficult when teams come here and line up the way they do."

Ferguson admitted his youthful attacking quartet had struggled to gel.

"We started with a front four who had never played together before, it was new for them so there was a lack of understanding, quite naturally," he said

"In the second half we brightened the game up and deserved to win the game."

Saha insisted it was "a brilliant feeling" to be back but told Setanta 1: "The most important feeling is to win.

"I'm not looking only on my goal, the team performance was brilliant in the second half, it was very tough because Sunderland played a very organised game.

"Being injured is a hard thing for a footballer, it's difficult to accept but I worked hard."

Keane was pleased his side had limited the champions to 1-0, but said: "I would have been happier if we had tested their goalkeeper a bit more.

"I just told the players to go out and give 100% and to enjoy it, we're all bitterly disappointed we didn't win or get a point but I'm delighted with their attitude."

Asked about his ovation from United fans before kick-off, the former Red Devils skipper said: "The reception was fantastic, the United fans have always been great to me although it's a small consolation at this time."

The Irishman seemed more animated than usual on the touchline but he insisted this game did not mean any more to him than the rest.

"Not really, it was a big build-up but we just tried to stay focused on the match. I tried to stay focused and not get too carried away."