Ruben Amorim’s make-or-break game before the international break.
After last week’s embarrassment at Brentford, United return to Old Trafford to face newly promoted Sunderland, who are enjoying their life back in the Premier League. United have had a good record at Old Trafford under Amorim this season, as they aim for their third successive home win after beating Chelsea. United is currently at 14th, wouldn’t want further slips, but Sunderland poses a major threat as Le Bris’s side, currently 6th in the table, are coming high on confidence after beating Forrest away.
Match Details
- Fixture: Manchester United vs Sunderland
- Date: 04/10/2025
- Kick-off: 7:30 pm I.S.T
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Premier League: Matchday 7
- Referee: Stuart Atwell.
Key Stats
| Key Stats | United | Sunderland |
| Head-to-head | 10 wins | 2 wins |
| Draws | 2 | 2 |
| Last 5 Matches | D, W, L, W, L | L, W, D, D, W |
| League Position | 14th | 7th |
| Top Scorer(5) | Bruno – 2 | Wilson Isidor – 3 |
| XG generated | 12.2 | 5.7 |
| Avg. Possession permatch | 53.7 | 42.9 |
Key players to watch out for
Bruno Fernandes needs to be at the top of his game if United are to beat Sunderland. He has been United’s main orchestrator for a long period of time. His midfield partner, Casemiro, is back after his red card suspension against Chelsea. Diallo would also be available for selection, as he missed Brentford’s game due to personal issues. It’s high time Cunha & Mbuembo perform because United counted on them heavily in the transfer window, but they have yet to show the best version of themselves.
Rieneldo will miss the game due to his red card suspension, but the main man, Wilson Isisdor, would look to add to his tally when he meets the shaky defence of the Red Devils. The Black Cats midfielders Xhaka & Enzo Le Fee are both in tremendous form & would like to dominate their counterparts. Simon Adingra, the former Brighton man, is all set to start & would cause a lot of trouble. He is the one man United should look to stop as he is quick & a very good tool in counterattacks.
Tactical Battle
Sunderland, in the majority of their away games, have set up a defensive unit & looked to counterattack the opponents. Expect nothing different from them this evening, United, on the other hand, have looked quite clueless in possession & have no major threatening pattern of buildup play.
An ugly tussle in the midfield between the veterans Xhaka & Casemiro can be expected, a lot of yellow cards & fouls are on offer this evening. The Black Cats, CBS Alderete & Mukiele would like to isolate Sesko & try to physically outweight him. United need to be quite good centrally to break Sunderland’s mid-block, & Mbeumbo & Cunha need to showcase their dribbling to create space for their fellow striker & midfielders.
Sunderland’s strategy would be simple to break United’s play & start a counterattack of their own, led by either Le Fee or Sadiki if they want to centrally or by Adingra or the Moroccan Talbi if they want to go through the wings, with Isidor waiting to pounce on the chances as they come.
Predicted lineups
- United- Bayindir, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Amad, Casemiro, Bruno, Dorgu, Mbeumbo, Cunha, Sesko.
- Injuries & Suspensions- Martinez(Ligament), Mazraoui(knock).
- Sunderland-Roefs, Geertruida, Mukiele, Alderete, Hume, Xhaka, Sadiki, Talbi, Le Fee, Adingra, Isidor.
- Injuries & Suspensions- Alese(shoulder), Cirkin(Wrist), Rienidlo(red card), Diarra(Groin).
