While some have hailed the Wearsiders as the best side in the third tier, others have questioned their ‘direct’ approach and some seemingly ‘horrendous’ incidents that have occurred during their games. Scroll down and click through the pages to see what managers have said before and after facing the Black Cats this season:
5. Sean Dyche (Burnley)
Speaking after Sunderland sprung a Carabao Cup shock, Dyche said: “I don’t want to discredit Sunderland. At 3-1, they worked hard, they harried, the still had their moments to try to get a fourth. We were pretty resolute after that, but their keeper made saves and they saw the game through.” Photo: Marc Atkins
6. Darren Ferguson (Peterborough United)
Ferguson wasn't impressed with what he perceived as a physical approach from Sunderland, saying: “Marcus Maddison was cautioned for simulation when he was fouled by a defender who should have been sent off and the foul on Ivan Toney soon afterwards was horrendous. He was karate kicked from behind and that should have been a red card." Photo: Pete Norton
7. Keith Hill (Bolton Wanderers)
The Bolton chief was full of praise: “Sunderland are a good outfit and I have a lot of respect for Jack [Ross, manager] but my players will reflect the fact we are sending them out there to reflect the needs of the supporters and the instructions of myself and Flicker.” Photo: Alex Livesey
8. Chris Wilder (Sheffield United)
The Blades were stunned by the Black Cats in the Carabao Cup, with Wilder commenting: "I made 10 changes and Sunderland made eight changes and their changes were better than mine. They were pretty comfortable in the end and saw the game out comfortably.” Photo: PAUL ELLIS