The Black Cats face United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day and it have gone 42 years since they last managed to win at United.
“I have tried hard [to win at United] and not had one yet, and we will keep trying,” Bruce said.
“To be fair, there are a few managers out there who have probably witnessed it – certainly nobody has beaten them this year, have they?
“We know what to expect, it will be difficult. But I always enjoy going back, even if I do come back with my backside kicked.
“For me, a lot of teams are beaten in the tunnel. You must, must go and take part in the game; you must go and have the courage to take the ball and take them on, and if you do that, then you have got a chance.
“Even then, you have still got to play to your maximum. Let’s be fair, they don’t lose many at home.
“But it’s a great place to go and play. If you have anything about you at all, these are the games that you should enjoy playing in.
“Seventy-odd thousand at Old Trafford – fantastic, that’s what you play football for and that’s where you can go and show your skills.
“Last year, we played very well. To be fair, we have played very well at home against them twice as well, so let’s hope we can maintain it.”
