A tough away match awaits the Red Devils as they travel to Wearside to face Sunderland. David Moyes’ side are fighting for their survival and need a win at any cost to have the slightest chance of a late resurgence to safety. Both teams have faltered in recent weeks which has increased the pressure on respective managers to churn out positive results.
Manchester United are unbeaten in the league since October 23 but three draws in the last four games have pushed them on the back foot in the race to reach top four. They have also scored just 43 goals this season which is unacceptable for a team of Manchester United’s strength. Sunderland, on the other hand, are 10 points away from safety as they need a win tomorrow to save their disastrous campaign.
Team news
Jose Mourinho revealed in his pre-match press conference that Wayne Rooney will miss tomorrow’s game with an ankle issue while Ashley Young is out of contention with a suspected groin problem. Juan Mata, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are the long term absentees for the Red Devils while Antonio Valencia will return to the starting lineup after being rested in the draw against Everton.
Victor Anichebe will make his first start of the year for Sunderland after making his return in the second half against Leicester City. Lee Cattermole is also back in the fray but John O’Shea will miss the game due to the sad demise of his father. Duncan Watmore, Jan Kirchhoff and Paddy McNair are still injured.
Form guide
Manchester United have failed in to win at the Stadium of Light in their last three attempts (D1, L2) and will look to change the dreaded record. The Red Devils are also unbeaten in their last eight away games which is their longest run since 2013.
Sunderland have lost a massive 22 times against Manchester United in the Premier League while their main man Jermaine Defoe has failed to score a goal against tomorrow’s opponents in his last six tries.
Sunderland: L-L-D-L-L
Manchester United: D-D-W-W-L
Head to Head
In the last seven years, the two teams have met 15 times with Manchester United winning 9 out 15. The Black Cats won three while three matches were drawn. The first leg in this season’s fixture between the two ended with Manchester United picking up an easy 3-1 win.
Predicted lineups
Sunderland – Pickford, Jones, Denayer, Kone, Oviedo, Cattermole, N’Dong, Larsson, Borini, Defoe, Anichebe.
Manchester United – De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Rojo, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Pogba, Martial, Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimović.
Predicted score
Sunderland 1-1 Manchester United
Odds
Sunderland – 9/1
Manchester United – 1/3
Draw – 19/5