Manchester United are seeking respite when they welcome newly-promoted Sunderland to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils suffered another embarrassing defeat last weekend to plunge them back into crisis, losing 3–1 to Brentford on their travels to cancel out any confidence built from the previous weekend’s victory over Chelsea. Ruben Amorim is hanging onto his position in the hot seat by the thinnest of threads ahead of the international break.
United’s inability to beat Brentford means they are still awaiting back-to-back Premier League victories under Amorim, but they can clinch a third successive home win by beating Sunderland. Overcoming the Black Cats will be no easy feat, though.
Sunderland have enjoyed a favourable run of fixtures at the beginning of the term but have still impressed with both results and performances on their return to the top flight. They sit fifth heading into the weekend having won three and drawn two of their six league outings.
With Old Trafford a far cry from the impenetrable fortress it once was, Sunderland will have few concerns heading to the venue for the first time since December 2016—even if United’s only victories this season have come on home soil.
Manchester United have welcomed Amad Diallo and forgotten full back Tyrell Malacia back to training this week. The former missed the defeat at Brentford due to a family bereavement but will be available to play against the club he once dazzled with on loan.
Casemiro is also available for selection having served his one-match suspension against the Bees, with the Brazilian likely to come straight back into the starting XI on Saturday.
Noussair Mazraoui is missing, however, while long-term absentee Lisandro Martínez still leaves a gaping hole in the United defence.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Sunderland (3-4-2-1): Bayındır; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško.
Sunderland will be without Reinildo once again as the defender continues to serve a three-match suspension, while Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Habib Diarra, Dennis Cirkin, Romaine Mundle, Aji Alese and Leo Hjelde are all absent.
The Sunderland boss is unlikely to make too many alterations from the team that beat Nottingham Forest last time out, with Arthur Masuaku continuing in place of the suspended Reinildo.
Wilson Isidor will lead the line having scored three already in the Premier League, while Granit Xhaka’s midfield experience will be crucial to Sunderland coming away from Old Trafford with a positive result.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Masuaku; Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Rigg, Le Fée; Isidor.
