Sunderland dey fly high this season and dem go waka go Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon to face Manchester United. Na the first time both teams go meet since April 2017, that time United knack dem 3-0 for Stadium of Light.
Match Preview
Even though board never show say dem wan sack Ruben Amorim, pressure dey pile up wella. United don lose three from their first six league games (W2 D1), concede 11 goals, and last weekend Brentford knack dem 3-1 just days after dem beat Chelsea 2-1. Dem dey sit 14th for table.
This go be Amorim 50th game in charge, but history no dey favour am. The last five permanent United coaches no win their 50th game, and na Sir Alex Ferguson last do am back in 1987.
Still, United dey enjoy better record against promoted teams — dem never lose their last 24 Premier League matches against dem (W21 D3) since Watford beat dem 4-1 for 2021.
United too dey strong against Sunderland historically: just two losses from their last 30 league meetings (W22 D6). Plus, Amorim men don win their last two home games and dey eye three straight Old Trafford wins for first time since 2023.
But Sunderland no be small boys again. After eight years away, dem don return to Premier League with fire, collect 11 points from six games — their best top-flight start since 1967-68.
Dem dey unbeaten in four (W2 D2), including last weekend 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest. Head coach Regis Le Bris don even collect nomination for Manager of the Month.
But their record for Old Trafford dey poor: only one win from last 31 visits, and only one win from 29 away games against Manchester clubs overall.
Team News
Lisandro Martinez (knee) and Noussair Mazraoui (thigh) still dey out for Man United. Casemiro don return from suspension, and Amad Diallo too fit come back after him family bereavement. Amorim vex with the defense vs Brentford and fit recall Leny Yoro for Maguire. Bayindir still dey start ahead of Senne Lammens. Captain Bruno Fernandes dey on form against promoted teams with 5 goals and 6 assists in his last 9 games.
Summer signings Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko dey set to continue for attack.
Sunderland side still miss Habib Diarra (groin), Romaine Mundle (hamstring), Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Aji Alese (shoulder) and Leo Hjelde (Achilles). Reinildo Mandava still dey serve suspension. But Nordi Mukiele dey fit despite rumours and fit pair Omar Alderete for defence, while Daniel Ballard dey push for recall. Granit Xhaka dey hot with three straight assists — e fit make am four if he deliver again.
Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup
Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko
Sunderland Possible Starting Lineup
Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Masuaku; Rigg, Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Isidor, Le Fee
Prediction
We say: Manchester United 1-1 Sunderland
This fixture for paper suppose favour United, but current form show say e no straight at all. Sunderland dey shine and United attack never dey click. The Black Cats sabi frustrate opponents, so United fit just settle for draw even at home.
