Match day preview - Sunderland (H) 04.10.25

LH
Oct 3
2 min read

United host Sunderland for the first time since 2016 on Saturday. United have endured a rough start to the season, with three defeats in six league matches and 11 goals conceded highlighting serious defensive concerns. The pressure is mounting on manager Ruben Amorim — this will be his 50th match in charge, and he has rarely enjoyed much luck around that milestone. Sir Jim seems to be backing the manager but with an international break next, it will be a long 2 weeks if United don’t get a good result tomorrow.

Sunderland have looked very impressive in the opening few games. Back in the top flight after a long absence, Sunderland have impressed early. They’ve picked up 11 points from their first six matches, establishing themselves in the upper echelons of the table. Xhaka has been brilliant for the Sunderland and will likely cause us probelsm with his set pieces. They have been solid at the back conceding 4 goals in 6 games so far and the United attack will have to improve if they are going to find the net.

United will hopefully come out with a lot more aggression than they showed against Brentford. I, like many, am sick of speaking about the managers problems but one thing is for certain he will have to switch up players who haven’t performed. Luke shaw has been very poor so I would bring in Heaven to add much needed pace to the backline alongside Yoro with De ligt moving into the middle. Amad was missed last week and will hopefully be a bright spark against a club he spent a season with. Hopefully Sesko can double his tally for the season and Cunha and Mbeumo can cause issues for the inexperienced Sunderland backline.

Team news: Martinez is still sidelined as is Mazaraoui. Amad and Casemiro return.