According to newspaper reports, he arrival of the Republic of Ireland international has "instantly led to comparisons with another famous left winger who wowed United crowds - Waddle". Yet that comparison seems to have come from the London press, rather than any talk I've heard on Tyneside.
Self-confessed Mackem fan Waddle spent five years on Tyneside, scoring 46 goals in 170 games, before moving on to Tottenham. Never a man proud of his Toon connections, he always said his ambition was to play for Sunderland, which he fulfilled at the back-end of his career.
I have to say, I loved the press comment on Saturday: "It is 21 years since Waddle's move to White Hart Lane, and fans have lamented the fact there has never been another player like him to tease and torment the opposition."
Roeder: "I can see why people are comparing Damien to Chris because he has a great left foot and is able to run at players and jink past them. But I would hate to see him tagged as another Chris Waddle because there has never been one, and never will be another one.
"The same applies to Damien. He is already a top-class player in his own right, and whatever he has achieved, he has done so on the back of his own ability. Before he went to Chelsea, and certainly while he was there, he has proven to be one of the best wide players in the world.
"I'm certainly looking forward to working with him and sending him out in games for our supporters to enjoy his style of play. I can't wait to see him in our first game."