Verdict: Wilson Isidor over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a must-win showdown from Ruben Amorim’s tenure on Saturday afternoon, Manchester United will welcome Sunderland to Old Trafford.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have clinched an essential 2-1 victory at home against historic rivals Chelsea on September 20th, the Red Devils came immediately crashing back down to earth last time out. With the pressure on Ruben Amorim’s shoulders firmly at a boiling point, the Portuguese tactician last saw his squad fall to a 3-1 defeat away at Brentford. Marking their return from September’s international break with a 3-0 drumming in the blue half of Manchester, Amorim’s struggling squad have also gained a reputation for their glaring defensive struggles. Infamously crashing out of the EFL Cup on August 27th away at League Two outfit Grimsby, it has been heavily suggested that another public loss this weekend could be the final nail in Amorim’s Old Trafford coffin.
Manchester United Team News
While Amad Diallo might have missed out away at Brentford last weekend following a family bereavement, the Ivory Coast international could return to Amorim’s squad here. Likewise, after serving a one-match suspension in west London, ex-Real Madrid star Casemiro could be handed a full recall.
Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Lisandro Martinez remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury. Finally opening his Premier League account with a consolation strike away at Brentford last week, big-money summer recruit Benjamin Sesko will lead the line.
Sunderland
As for the visitors, while Sunderland might have only made their famous Premier League return this season, the Black Cats have come flying out of the traps since opening the 2025/26 campaign. Rightfully receiving a string of plaudits from across England’s elite, Saturday’s guests have already taken a huge leap towards retaining their top-flight status. Last seen putting in another stellar performance as they clinched a gritty 1-0 victory away at Europa League outfit Nottingham Forest, Sunderland find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Getting proceedings underway with a sensational 3-0 romp at home against West Ham on August 16th, Le Bris’ camp also open this weekend’s fixtures with just their goal difference keeping them outside the Champions League spots and they will be relishing a trip to Old Trafford here.
Sunderland Team News
Shown a straight card against Aston Villa on September 21st, Sunderland will once again be without the suspended Reinildo Mandava on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, the likes of Romaine Mundle, Ajibola Alese and summer recruit Habib Diarra remain on the sidelines.
Bagging the winner away at Nottingham Forest last weekend, fellow summer recruit and former Getafe defender Omar Alderete will start at the back. Making an immediate impact after arriving from Bayer Leverkusen last month, ex-Arsenal skipper Grand Xhaka will play a leading role in the middle of the park.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester United and Sunderland last met back in April 2017, Saturday’s hosts collected a 3-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.
- United have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their first seven appearances across all competitions.
- Putting 11 points on the board from their first six Premier League appearances, Sunderland open this weekend’s fixtures with just their goal difference keeping them outside the drop zone.
- Continuing on from last season, United have recorded just a single clean sheet from their previous 13 appearances across all competitions.
- United have shipped seven Premier League goals since returning from September’s international break.
Conclusion
With all eyes falling on Old Trafford this weekend, Saturday’s showdown could easily be Amorim’s final game in the dugout. Eventually falling to a 3-1 loss away at Brentford last weekend and once again showing a string of glaring issues, Manchester United will also meet a Sunderland squad who have enjoyed a remarkable start to life back among England’s elite. With the Black Cats already putting 11 points on the board and opening Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford with their goal difference keeping them outside the Champions League spots, Sunderland should be relishing a trip to the red half of Manchester here.
Verdict: Wilson Isidor over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Dachbet
