Manchester United Vs Sunderland: Red Devils Looking For Lara, Black Cats Ready To Shake Old Trafford

Matheus Cunha (left) is back filling the Red Devils attack line (photo: x @mnutd)

JAKARTA - Manchester United again faced great pressure when they had to host Sunderland in the Premier League continued at Old Trafford, Saturday, October 4 evening WIB. This duel became the team's first meeting since April 2017, when the Red Devils won 3-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Coach Ruben Amorim's position in the hot seat has been highlighted after the start of the 2025/2026 season went far from expectations. From the first six matches in the Premier League, United were only able to win two wins, one draw, and three defeats. A total of 11 goals have been scored against their goal, including a 3-1 loss to Brentford last week, just days after a narrow 2-1 win over Chelsea.

Currently, United are scattered in 14th place in the standings. Amorim is also preparing to have their 50th game with the Red Devils, but history is not in his favor. United's last five permanent managers have all failed to win their 50th game, where Sir Alex Ferguson was the last to win in November 1987.

However, there is a glimmer of optimism. United are unbeaten in the last 24 matches against the promotion team in the Premier League (21 wins, 3 draws), since the 1-4 defeat to Watford in November 2021 which was also Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's last match. In addition, the Red Devils have only lost twice to the last 30 meetings with Sunderland in the league (22 wins, 6 draws).

After eight years of absence, Sunderland returned to the Premier League with an extraordinary start. They have collected 11 points from six of the best matches since the 1967/1968 season. Regis Le Bris' team is also unbeaten in the last four matches (2 wins, 2 draws), including a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest headquarters last week.

Le Bris, who was nominated for the Premier League's Best Manager in the September issue, said his team came to Old Trafford with a 'strong personality and character'. Even so, Sunderland realized their poor record at Manchester. From the last 31 trips to Old Trafford, Sunderland only won once in May 2014 through Sebastian Larsson's single goal.

The record against Manchester club in the league is also gloomy. Of the 29 away games against Manchester United and Manchester City, Sunderland have only won once with the worst point ratio (0.24) compared to other teams who have played there more than 15 times.

Manchester United lost Leandro Martinez (knee injury) and Noussair Mazraoui (loss injury). However, Casemiro returned from suspension, while Amad Diallo has returned to training after being absent due to family affairs. Amorim is expected to overhaul the back line after appearing fragile in the match against Brentford. Leny Yoro is likely to replace Harry Maguire.

Bruno Fernandes will be the motor of attack, accompanied by Casemiro in midfield. Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko are expected to be trusted again on the front lines.

In the Sunderland camp, Habib Diarra, Romaine Mundle, Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, and Leo Hjelde are still in the treatment room. Reinildo Mandava is absent due to suspension. But the good news is, Nordi Mukiele is fit and ready to appear. Granit Xhaka, who is on fire with three consecutive assists, will be in midfield with Noah Sadiki and Chris Rigg.

On paper, this match should have benefited Manchester United. However, the unstable performance of the Red Devils made them vulnerable to losing points again. Sunderland appears confident, solid in midfield, and has a slick record lately.

United may still be seeded for Old Trafford, but with the current situation, they have the potential to only draw.

Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko.

Sunderland (4-3-3):Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Masuaku; Rigg, Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Isidor, Le Fee.

Score prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Sunderland.