Things aren’t going Manchester United’s way in the Premier League the way they would have wanted. Jose Mourinho’s side played their 12th draw of the season against Everton in the last match and United will travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland in order to let out the frustration.
This is a good opportunity for the Red Devils to build some momentum by winning this game so that they can use this to go full throttle in the remaining matches. Also United have to win this game to stay in the hunt for a top four finish.
Sunderland’s Premier League journey have been nothing short of a disaster. The Black Cats have managed to pick up just one point in the last five matches and are likely to drop to the Championship.
They somehow managed to survive in the last couple of season after consecutive late revivals. But this time a demotion is looking inevitable. David Moyes’ side have nothing to lose more and will be playing to restore their pride.
Manchester United are now on a 20 game unbeaten run since their 4-0 loss against Chelsea. Manchester United have defeated the Black Cats 22 times in the Premier League which is a very impressive number.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Manchester United
As many as five players are currently battling injuries in the Manchester United squad. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling injured themselves while they were on the international duty for the Three Lions. Juan Mata recently underwent a groin surgery and has been ruled out for the season. Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young will also miss this game.
De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Rojo, Shaw; Herrera, Pogba; Martial, Rashford, Mkhitaryan; Ibrahimovic
Sunderland
David Moyes has been struggling with a number of injury concerns which is also one of the reasons of their downfall in this season. John O’Shea won’t be available due to personal reasons against his former club.
Adnan Januzaj has a clause in his contract where it is mentioned that he is not eligible to play against his parent club. Victor Anichebe is fit and raring to go and might start for Sunderland.
Pickford; Jones, Kone, Denayer, Oviedo; Cattermole, Gibson, Ndong; Anichebe, Defoe, Borini
Key Players
Manchester United
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian playmaker had an off day in the last match and was not at his best. He needs to get behind the striker to find that tenacity to take his team in the driver’s seat.
Sunderland
Jermain Defoe
At this twilight of his career, the England internationals has started to reinvent himself. At the age of 34, he remains Sunderland’s main threat and Moyes would unleash him in a hope to earn a point.
