Manchester United travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Interim head coach Michael Carrick has guided his side to third in the table, while The Black Cats are 12th, with hopes of a top-half finish. Find our match preview and best bets below.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United to Win | 10/11 @ matchbook (52.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | In their last three outings, Sunderland have been beaten by Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and were held to a draw by already relegated Wolves. On the other hand, Man Utd are looking fresh in comparison to some top-flight sides after no European football this season and being knocked out of both cups early on. United have recorded wins against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool across their last three and can make it four in a row against Sunderland. |
| Bruno Fernandes Anytime Assist | 5/2 @ BOYLESports (28.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | We are beginning to sound a bit like a broken record here at Squawka, but after plenty of profit from this selection in recent weeks, we are once again backing Bruno Fernandes to provide an assist. The Manchester United man has provided a remarkable 19 assists in the Premier League this season and needs just two more to set a new record. This bet has landed in seven of his last eight outings and, looking back a little further, in 12 of his last 16. |
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How both teams go into Sunderland vs Manchester United
Sunderland have lost momentum after their win over Tottenham Hotspur, going three games without a victory and slipping away from the European places. A heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest and a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers have dented their hopes further, in a game where Daniel Ballard was controversially sent off.
They now face a tough test against Manchester United, a side they have struggled badly against over the years with only three wins in 33 meetings. Regis Le Bris’s team sit 12th and are also on a poor home run, with just one win in their last five at the Stadium of Light and no victories against top four sides since 2014.
Manchester United head into the clash in strong form after a 3-2 win over rivals Liverpool, a result sealed by a late goal from Kobbie Mainoo that secured Champions League football for next season. Since Michael Carrick took charge, United have been one of the Premier League’s top performers with more points than any other side in that spell.
Carrick’s impact has transformed their season after a poor finish last year, and he is now pushing for a fourth straight league win with his future still to be decided. United also boast a strong record at the Stadium of Light, losing just once in 15 league visits, as they look to continue their momentum against Sunderland.
Sunderland team news
Sunderland will be without Daniel Ballard due to suspension, while Romaine Mundle also remains out, but there is hope for returns for Nilson Angulo and Bertrand Traore after training this week; Granit Xhaka will lead the midfield alongside Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra, while Luke O’Nien, Lutsharel Geertruida and Nordi Mukiele are among the defensive options to replace him.
Manchester United team news
Manchester United will still be without Matthijs de Ligt through injury, while Benjamin Sesko is a doubt after a shin issue against Liverpool; however, Lisandro Martinez returns from suspension and is set to slot back into defence alongside Ayden Heaven, with Bruno Fernandes continuing to pull the strings in midfield as he closes in on a Premier League assist record.
Season Form & Standings
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 3 | 35 | 18 | 10 | 7 | 63 | 48 | 15 | 64 |
| Sunderland | 12 | 35 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 37 | 46 | -9 | 47 |
Last 6 Meetings
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 04/10/25 | Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland | Premier League |
| 09/04/17 | Sunderland 0-3 Manchester United | Premier League |
| 26/12/16 | Manchester United 3-1 Sunderland | Premier League |
Will Manchester United extend their dominance?
Manchester United are looking for their fourth consecutive victory and look good value here to collect the three points at 10/11. Get behind the visitors or back Fernandes to provide an assist once again at 5/2.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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