
Granit Xhaka can make history at Sunderland when they travel to face Manchester United in the Premier League.
The Black Cats have impressed upon their return to the top-flight and continued their phenomenal start with a 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest.
Sunderland’s 2-0 loss to Burnley is their only defeat in the opening six fixtures, and their latest result means they now sit comfortably seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Omar Alderete converted the only goal of the game, which saw his side move as high as third in the league table and now sit in fifth place ahead of this weekend’s trip to Old Trafford.
Sunderland fans compared Xhaka to Kevin De Bruyne after his assist provided the match-winner, and now the summer signing can make history on Wearside.
Granit Xhaka can break Chris Waddle’s assist record at Sunderland
According to BBC Sport, the Swiss international can become the first player since Chris Waddle in 1997 to assist in four consecutive outings for the Black Cats.
Man United’s 3-1 loss to Brentford last time out will give Regis Le Bris hope of getting a result at Old Trafford and could see his side move seven points ahead of the 20-time Premier League champions in the table.
Xhaka has rediscovered his best form since returning to England – the ex-Arsenal man has immediately established himself as an integral player at the Stadium of Light.
The 33-year-old will be key to Sunderland’s survival, and his three assists thus far place him one behind league leader Jack Grealish in the assist charts.
Sunderland moved to replace Jobe Bellingham, who departed for Borussia Dortmund in a £26 million deal, by bringing in a blend of youth and experience.
Alongside Xhaka, the Black Cats acquired Habib Diarra, but the Senegalese international is sidelined until December with a groin injury.
However, Xhaka has been told he could play for United even in the twilight years of his career, and it is quickly becoming apparent that the midfielder is still one of the best in the Premier League.
Who did Chris Waddle get his record-setting assist against?
Waddle only featured seven times for the club during the 1996/97 season but managed to assist in matches against Forest, Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Middlesbrough.
The three-time French Division One champion assisted Darren Williams for the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 win against Boro at the Riverside Stadium to set the long-standing record.
Although he failed to extend his streak in the following match against Everton, he would add another assist to his tally and open his account for the Black Cats in a 3-0 win at their former home, Roker Park.
Waddle, a boyhood Sunderland fan, played for North East rivals Newcastle for five years before eventually arriving on Wearside, but the legendary Englishman could not prevent relegation that year.
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