Manchester United will try to bounce back after their upsetting loss against Swansea City last Saturday when they host Sunderland at Old Trafford. Gustavo Poyet's team will enter this match as the proverbial underdog, but their previous match played within Old Trafford's walls ended with a 1-0 victory for the Black Cats, and there's no reason to believe they could shock Van Gaal's up and coming team one more time.
After spending more than 150 million euros in transfers, Manchester United's season has been quite disappointing, despite holding the fourth spot in the Premier League standings. Van Gaal has suffered to put together his best men, having to work around a series of injuries and suspensions to his top players. This will be the first of a series of matches in which the Red Devils will not have Robin Van Persie available, after the Dutch forward damaged his right ankle. Radamel Falcao will have one of the last opportunities to prove he can be a suitable buy for Van Gaal's crew, since his loan from Monaco ends with the season. Angel Di Maria's performance in this match will be key for United, since their opponents struggle defending quality wingmen like himself.
Unable to win during their three most-recent games, Sunderland has made a habit of giving Manchester United a hard time. The Black Cats have won three of the six previous meetings with United, and have managed to walk away from Old Trafford with a win in two of their most recent visits. Gus Poyet's job could be at stake if his team loses, and even with a very complicated season so far, his men should know that the Red Devils back four have struggled this year when it comes to defending less talented sides. If Sunderland wants to help his coach keep the job, this is the match to win.
During their previous meeting this season, United went ahead with a goal by Juan Mata, but Jack Rodwell cancelled the early goal to make it 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Manchester United vs Sunderland team sheets
Manchester United's Starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Evans, Rojo, Blind, Herrera, Young, Di Maria, Rooney, Falcao.
Sunderland's Starting XI: Pantilimon, Reveillere, van Aanholt, Brown, O’Shea (c), Cattermole, Larsson, Gomez, Johnson, Wickham, Defoe.
Manchester United's subs: Lindegaard, McNair, Carrick, Fellaini, Mata, Januzaj, Wilson.
Sunderland's subs: Mannone, Bridcutt Fletcher, Graham, Coates, Vergini, Watmore.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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