A season which promised so much began on a disappointing note as the Red Devils suffered defeat in their opening match. With new manager Van Gaal at the helm many expected a bright start to the season, but United began from where they left off last season and a below par performance saw them lose 2-1 to Swansea City.
Ki Sung-Yueng and Gylfi Sigurdsson got on the score sheet for the Swans upon their return to the club. Wayne Rooney also registered himself on the score sheet but was unable to inspire a win. This time around the Englishman will have more support upfront with Robin Van Persie set to make an appearance for the Red Devils. The Dutchman has been very instrumental for United since joining from Arsenal and his return will definitely be a lift for the players as well as the manager who knows Van Persie fell owing to their time together at the Dutch national team.
Apart from players returning from injuries, the United boss is also adamant on adding new players to the squad. Argentinean international Marcos Rojo has already sealed a move to Old Trafford whereas is compatriot Angel Di Maria has been hotly linked with a move to Man United as well and might finalize his move in the coming days.
Van Gaal has however lamented the number of injuries in his side which he claims is something which has tarnished his plans at the club.
"Last week, we had nine injuries and now we have seven. It's much too much. I have had this as a manager for the first time. We have to live with this,” said the Dutchman.
"We have four injured midfielders - [Michael] Carrick, from the beginning, but now also Herrera, Fellaini and Lingard, we are thin on midfielders now.”
Sunderland on the other hand had a positive outing during the opening day when they played West Brom in a 2-2 draw. Cattermole struck in the 5th minute for the Black Cats but Sunderland needed a late equalizer from Larsson as Poyet's men grabbed a point.
Sunderland will now welcome defenders Billy Jones and Santiago Vergini for the match against Man United, Italian midfielder Giaccherini on the other hand will continue to nurse his groin injury.
Sunderland vs Manchester United Team Sheets
Sunderland Starting XI: Mannone, Vergini, van Aanholt, Brown, O'Shea, Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell, Buckley, Wickham, Fletche
Sunderland bench: Pantilimon, Jones, Bridcutt, Gomez, Altidore, Mavrias, Roberge
Manchester United Starting XI: De Gea, Jones, Smalling, Blackett, Valencia, Cleverley, Fletcher, Mata, Young, Rooney, van Persie
Manchester United bench: Amos, M. Keane, James, Kagawa, Hernandez, Welbeck, Januzaj
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Sunderland vs Manchester United live on Sunday, August 24 2014:
In the US at 11.00 EST on:
In Canada at 11.00 ET on:
- On TV: Sportsnet World
In the UK at 16.00 BST on:
- On TV: Sky Go Extra,Sky Sports 1/HD, NOW TV, Sky Go
- Audio / Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Sunderland vs Manchester United match page.
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