Manchester United travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon aiming to continue their impressive late season surge when they face Sunderland in the Premier League.
The Red Devils head into the clash full of confidence after securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford last weekend, a result that also confirmed their return to Champions League football next season.
Under Michael Carrick, United have transformed their campaign after finishing 15th under former manager Ruben Amorim last season. Another victory this weekend, combined with Liverpool failing to beat Chelsea, would guarantee United a top-three finish with two games remaining.
Momentum is clearly building within the squad, and supporters reacted positively after the club promoted the fixture on its official X account with aerial images of the Stadium of Light ahead of the penultimate away game of the season. Many fans are optimistic about a fourth consecutive league victory, while excitement also surrounds Bruno Fernandes potentially reaching 20 assists for the campaign.
They shared:
Our penultimate away day of 2025/26 is up next
Sunderland, meanwhile, are desperately trying to revive fading hopes of qualifying for European competition. Since defeating Tottenham 1-0 in April, the Black Cats have failed to win any of their last three league matches, including a crushing 5-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest. Their recent inconsistency has left them under pressure heading into one of their toughest remaining fixtures.
Despite Sunderland’s determination to respond positively at home, Manchester United appear to have the stronger momentum and attacking quality. With confidence growing and key players performing at a high level, Carrick’s side will believe they are capable of securing another important three points.
Team News
Sunderland will be without suspended defender Dan Ballard, while Romaine Mundle remains sidelined through injury. Nilson Angulo and Bertrand Traore have returned to training and could be included in the squad.
Luke O’Nien or Lutsharel Geertruida is expected to replace Ballard in defence, while captain Granit Xhaka could start alongside Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra in midfield.
Manchester United remain without Matthijs de Ligt due to a back injury, while Benjamin Sesko is a minor doubt after suffering a shin problem against Liverpool. Lisandro Martinez is available again after suspension and is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Roefs; Mukiele, O’Nien, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Diarra, Le Fee; Brobbey
How to watch
| Channel | Region | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Sports Main Event | United Kingdom | 15:00 BST |
| SuperSport Premier League | Nigeria Africa | 15:00 WAT |
| Peacock Premium | USA | 10:00 ET |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts 2-1 away victory.
Manchester United’s confidence and attacking form make them favourites heading into the clash. Sunderland may compete strongly at home, but United’s quality should prove decisive.
