Sunderland have confirmed that they have tonight sacked manager Martin O'Neill.

The Black Cats have been on a poor run in the Premier League, failing to register a victory since beating Wigan Athletic 2-3 back on January 19.

That dismal sequence of results has seen the club slip to 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the drop zone, with seven games remaining.

A club statement read: "Sunderland AFC has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O'Neill this evening.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin and wishes him well for the future.

"An announcement will be made in the coming days regarding a successor."

O'Neill's side were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.