It was never this bad under Sir Alex! Former boss in the stands as United crumble again

Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands yet again on Tuesday night as Manchester United stumbled to another defeat.

Ferguson and former United legend Bryan Robson watched in despair as Sunderland won 2-1. 

In this fantastic photo taken by Sportsmail's Ian Hodgson both Ferguson and Moyes are circled. The new manager in the eye line of the old one.

Close proximity: Alex Ferguson (top circle) has his eye on the game, and David Moyes (bottom circle)

Imposing: Bryan Robson (left), Alex Ferguson and Bobby Charlton all watch the game in Sunderland

Ferguson has been criticised in recent days for not giving David Moyes more breathing space, but he seems determined to attend almost every game. United great Sir Bobby Charlton was also sat next to Ferguson and was left shaking his head at the final whistle.

United went behind on the stroke of half-time when their former defender Wes Brown headed a free-kick across the face of goal and another ex-Red, this time Phil Bardsley, put enough pressure on Ryan Giggs that the veteran put the ball into his own net.

Despite a Nemanja Vidic equaliser from a corner, Sunderland won 2-1 thanks to a penalty from on-loan attacker Fabio Borini. Tom Cleverley made enough contact with Adam Johnson to send the winger sprawling and the linesman pointed to the spot.

Tough: An exasperated David Moyes can't contain his frustration during the game at the Stadium of Light

Own goal: Ryan Giggs helps the ball into the Manchester United net just before half-time

Only last month under-fire Moyes denied claims by former United skipper Roy Keane that Ferguson is still trying to exert ‘control and power’ within Old Trafford.

‘Sir Alex is not about the place,’ he said. ‘He comes to the games, but he’s a director now, so he’s entitled to do that. He doesn’t come into the dressing room. A lot of the directors do, but Alex keeps away from it.’

This may all be the case, but his presence must be a distraction every time Moyes glances in his direction. Especially after a third defeat on the trot.

Downbeat: Adnan Januzaj and Danny Welbeck look gloomy as they have to kick-off again

Unhappy: Moyes and assistant Phil Neville on the bench during the game