Either side could have won the game, but United do owe a debt of gratitude to goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar whose saves kept the visitors in the game on more than one occasion.
This was United’s fourth successive Barclays Premier League draw on the road.
Ferguson told ITV.com: "Sunderland had the most chances in the game and I have to say we were fantastic defensively.
"That's the area in which we have been leaking goals and throwing games away this season, so I am pleased with that.
"It was a very determined Sunderland team, their home record this season has been very, very good, so I am not pleased but I am satisfied."
Asked about his side's failure to date to win a league game on the road, Ferguson said: "It's a concern, the first three.
"I can't class today's as a disappointment because we had to battle to get the point today.
"But we have thrown the other three away."