Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher has insisted that the club's players are fully behind manager Dick Advocaat despite their poor start to the season.

The Black Cats are bottom of the Premier League table after suffering a third consecutive defeat with a 3-0 loss to Manchester United on Saturday, a result which leaves them still looking for a first league win of the season after seven matches.

However, Fletcher remained adamant that the Dutch boss has the backing of every member of his squad, and insisted that spirits in the club's camp are still high.

"We do back him, not that he needs it," he told Sky Sports News. "He is a very experienced manager. He knows what he is doing and I am sure that we will get the result we need.

"The gaffer is working hard for us. He is the same, the way he always is, he is not going to change no matter what has gone on. He is a strong man as you can tell by looking at him.

"There is a great bunch of lads here so we will keep upbeat and hopefully the win will come sooner or later."

Sunderland face third-placed West Ham United in the Premier League next Saturday.