Craig Gardner put Sunderland ahead in just the fifth minute at the Stadium of Light to give them hope of a first maximum haul of the season.

But a double from 18-year-old Adnan Januzaj on his first Premier League start spared the defending champions' blushes.

And attacking midfielder Giaccherini is confident that Sunderland can build on their plucky effort, but bemoaned their inability to respond to United's leveller.

Speaking to Sunderland's official website, Giaccherini said: "We did very well but Manchester United are a great team and can change a game very quickly.

"I think we gave a great performance, but the result wasn't good.

"We didn't react how we should have once United pulled a goal back, we began playing with fear and lost our momentum. That's not how we should play.

"There are signs of improvement every week and we have to continue to build on this and hopefully our luck will change.

"We have to be the bigger team and take our performances and turn them into results."

Sunderland remain rooted to the bottom of the table following the United defeat and will continue their quest for a first Premier League win of the season when they travel to Swansea City on October 19.