The Black Cats will face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday without six of their key figures.

Quartet Titus Bramble, Michael Turner, John Mensah and Fraizer Campbell are nursing respective injuries.

Lee Cattermole is suspended while fully-fit loanee Danny Welbeck is ineligible to play against his parent club United.

But Henderson made light of the depleted squad.

"It's hard with injuries but you're always going to get that and it's how you cope with it," said Henderson.

"There's enough quality to be able to deal with it.

"Nedum and Ahmed have come into new positions and done exceptionally well. We're still quite versatile at the back.

"Kieran can play left-back or centre-mid, and Bardo (Phil Bardsley) can play anywhere along the back line.

"But it doesn't matter what position you play in, you've got to go out and do your best."

Mensah was injured in Sunderland's 1-0 league win over Bolton Wanderers at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, which gave Elmohamady the chance to come off the bench only after 22 minutes.

Pacey wide man Elmo was expected to be included in the starting eleven against Bolton after Anton Ferdinand suffered a hamstring problem.

However, the English defender, who was supposed to be out of action for several weeks, recovered from injury much faster than expected to keep his starting berth, leaving the Egypt ace on the sidelines again.

Elmohamady has been a substitute for the last eight consecutive Premiership matches but with Mensah still unfit, he's likely to start against United.

Sunderland have produced impressive displays against all high-profile teams so far this season.

They beat City 1-0 late in August and surprisingly crushed defending champions Chelsea 3-0 later.

Bruce's side salvaged a goalless draw with United at home in their previous meeting early in October.

Sunderland also held Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to draws this term.

Sunderland, who are eyeing a top-four finish, lie sixth in the Premiership table on 27 points, seven adrift of leaders United.