Manchester United host newly promoted Sunderland at Old Trafford in what is being billed as a must-win fixture for the Red Devils.
Manchester United host newly promoted Sunderland at Old Trafford in what is being billed as a must-win fixture for the Red Devils.
Pressure is mounting on manager Ruben Amorim, especially after United’s disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Brentford in their last Premier League outing.
Failure to secure three points before the international break could once again place his position under severe scrutiny.
United’s start to the season has been inconsistent, with performances fluctuating and the team languishing in the lower half of the table.
A win here would not only restore confidence but also help them move closer to European qualification places, which remains the club’s main objective this season. Encouragingly, United have been strong at Old Trafford, winning two of their three home games so far in the campaign.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have enjoyed a dream start to life back in the Premier League.
Having lost just once in their opening six games – a 2-0 defeat away to Burnley – the Black Cats have registered three impressive victories, including their most recent 1-0 away win at Nottingham Forest, their first away win of the season.
Manager Régis Le Bris will take his side to Manchester full of belief that they can spring a surprise against one of the league’s giants.
Howver, the return of Amad Diallo, who missed last weekend’s Brentford defeat, will be a major boost for Amorim’s side.
Match Facts
• Head-to-head record: Manchester United have lost only 2 of their last 30 league games against Sunderland (W22 D6).
• At Old Trafford: Sunderland have won just once in their last 31 away matches against United in all competitions (D9 L21), a 1-0 win in May 2014.
• United at home: The Red Devils are chasing three consecutive home league wins for the first time since a run of eight between April–August 2023.
• Sunderland away vs Manchester clubs: Just 1 win in 29 away league games against United and City combined (D4 L24), with a points-per-game average of only 0.24 – the worst record of any team with 15+ such games.
• Against promoted sides: Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 24 Premier League matches against newly promoted opposition (W21 D3) since losing 4-1 to Watford in November 2021.
Summary
Manchester United enter this clash under intense pressure to bounce back after a poor defeat against Brentford.
Their decent home form and dominant record against promoted sides should provide optimism, but Sunderland’s excellent start to the season and first away win under Régis Le Bris suggest they could pose a real threat.
Key storyline: Can Manchester United ease the pressure on Ruben Amorim with a crucial win, or will Sunderland extend their strong start by pulling off a major upset at Old Trafford?
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