Sunderland midfielder Yann M’Vila has hailed the impact boss Sam Allardyce has had since arriving at the club.

The Black Cats are currently second from bottom of the Premier League standings, four points adrift of safety, but they have shown a marked improvement since Allardyce succeeded Dick Advocaat as manager in October.

The Wearsiders came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Liverpool last time out and France international M’Vila believes that result typifies the new spirit that Allardyce has installed at the Stadium of Light.

He said: “He’s made some great signings and managed to instil a fantastic level of confidence and fight in us. We’re hungry in every game and we want to go to war.”

The 25-year-old, who is on a season-long loan deal at the club from Rubin Kazan, is convinced the Black Cats will survive in the top flight under the stewardship of the 61-year-old.

He added: “I think he’s a great manager for us and I think he’s going to get us out of this situation.”

Sunderland host Manchester United in their next league match on Saturday and they will be full of confidence heading, as they are unbeaten in their last two home games with the Red Devils.

The Black Cats are on offer at 5.00 to win the match, United are available at 1.80 and the draw is priced at 3.50.