He couldn't trust them... Fergie accuses Sunderland over breakdown in Gibson move

Sir Alex Ferguson has pointed the finger at Sunderland over the breakdown of Darron Gibson's move to the Stadium of Light.

The Manchester United midfielder, 23, appeared destined to follow former team-mates Wes Brown and John O'Shea to Steve Bruce's outfit but the transfer collapsed.

And Ferguson accused Sunderland of messing Gibson around by lowering their initial offer to him, ultimately leaving the Republic of Ireland international 'in limbo'.

Nowhere man: Darron Gibson has been left 'in limbo', according to Sir Alex Ferguson

Gibson was looking for wages of around £40,000 per week, but the Black Cats were unwilling to match that figure in the end. And the United boss appeared to question Sunderland's trustworthiness.

The comments are sure to upset Bruce, himself a former United captain under Ferguson, and who has up until now enjoyed a close relationship with the Scot.

Ferguson said: 'He was on the point of going to Sunderland and somewhere along the line, I don't know exactly when, I think Sunderland moved the goalposts.

On tour: Ferguson (left) is currently in the United States with Manchester United

'I suppose their job is to try and save money.

'From what I can gather, they gave him an offer and then changed it. That annoyed Darren and I think he's quite right.

'If you can't trust them on day one why wait until day two?'

Old Trafford raids: Steve Bruce has snapped up Wes Brown and John O'Shea for Sunderland this summer

Gibson has stayed behind rather than travel on United's pre-season tour to the United States in order to sort out his future.

Ferguson added: 'Darron was undecided about what to do when we made the group up to come here - and we both felt he'd be better staying back.

'He seems to be in limbo at the moment.'