Manchester United host Sunderland on Saturday in what could be make-or-break for Ruben Amorim as pressure on the United boss continues to grow. Following a turgid 3-1 defeat away at Brentford last week, it seems the writing is almost on the wall for the Portuguese manager. His dismal time at Old Trafford has been highly publicised, and with owner Jim Radcliffe reportedly sounding out replacements this week it, it seems Saturday’s game could be Amorim’s last.
Travelling to Old Trafford are a side who couldn’t be in a better mood. Under the tutelage of Regis Le Bris, Sunderland have taken to Premier League life like ducks to water. They have amassed 11 points from their opening six games, conceding the third fewest goals in the division during that time as well. A single Omar Alderete header made the difference as the Black Cats struck further misery into Ange Postecoglu’s struggling Nottingham Forest in their last league game. Sunderland defended valiantly but were more than equal to the Europa League hopefuls, as they have been to every single side they’ve faced so far this season.
It’s two teams in contrasting positions in the league; Man United sit 14th in the Premier League table while Sunderland continue to sit in the top six, just two points behind Arsenal in second.
Team News
Amorim will continue to be without main defender Lisandro Martínez as the Argentine recovers from a serious knee injury sustained all the way back in February. Alongside him, right-back Noussair Mazraoui is still yet to feature for the Red Devils since his thigh injury sustained late last month. Casemiro could feature again after his sending off in United’s chaotic last home game against Chelsea, where to red cards led to United scraping past Enzo Maresca’s side 2-1. Former Sunderland favourite Amad Diallo could return to the starting lineup following a leave of absence for a family bereavement. The visitors’ fans will hope the Ivorian doesn’t sting his former side following his impressive spell on loan at the club in the 23/24 season where the winger registered 17 goals and assists in 39 games as the Black Cats almost won promotion via the play offs.
Sunderland have no new injury concerns. Habib Diarra is still recovering from his groin injury sustained in training last month and full-back Reinildo Mandava is also still serving his three match ban for violent conduct on Matty Cash. Elsewhere, there are no new injury updates from Le Bris, as Ajibola Alese, Dennis Cirkin, Leo Hjelde and Romaine Mundle all remain side-lined.
Predicted lineups
MUN: Bayindir; De Light, Maguire, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko
SUN: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Masuaku; Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée; Adingra, Talbi, Isidor
Where to watch
Manchester United vs Sunderland kicks off at 15.00pm on Saturday and is not available to watch on terrestrial British television.
Highlights will be posted to Sky Sports Premier League’s YouTube channel at fulltime and will also be broadcast on BBC One’s Match of the Day.