Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has admitted that he is desperate to sign new players when the transfer window reopens next month.

The Mackems have endured a frustrating first half of the season and currently sit 16th in the table, just a point outside the relegation zone.

O'Neill believes that yesterday's defeat to Manchester United was a prime example of the lack of cover he has in key areas.

He told BBC Sport: "We have to be seriously looking to strengthen our side.

"You only have to look at the back of the programme to see we don't have any great numerical strength, never mind anything else.

"We have got a few injuries to people, but you are going to get injuries and suspensions during the course of the season and it is up to us to cope with them. That is inevitable but we just don't have that strength in depth."

Top scorer Steven Fletcher added to O'Neill's injury woes when he limped off at half-time at Old Trafford with a back injury.