Midfielders:
Michael Carrick: A deep lying midfielder who has been Mr. Consistent over the years. Manchester United will need him in the last couple of matches to finish in a respectable position in the league. He should start against Sunderland and will counter and the fast pressing game employed by the Black Cats.
Juan Mata: The Spaniard started his first match under Ryan Giggs as a substitute but came off the bench to grab two goals to make an immediate impact. The talismanic midfielder is expected to make his first start under the new reign at Old Trafford and will pose plenty of problems to the Sunderland defenders with his accurate passing and through balls.
Shinji Kagawa: The Japanese performed quite admirably against the hapless Norwich side and should be rewarded with another starting berth against Sunderland.
Antonio Valencia: Another Manchester United player who had a fine outing against Norwich and will start on the right of the midfield. He will try to dink in the crosses hoping for the head of one of the strikers.
Forward:
Wayne Rooney: The man of the match against Norwich will try to put in another similar performance in a bid to build up form just before the World Cup in Brazil. On song he can destroy Sunderland’s ageing defensive unit.
Javier Hernandez: Another player like Mata who started the match against Norwich on the bench. However with Ryan Giggs looking to rotate and give everyone chances he may well be called upon to partner Wayne Rooney upfront against Sunderland in place of Danny Welbeck.