Sunderland vs Manchester United Preview
Louis van Gaal enters his second competitive match as Manchester United manager after the opening day disappointment at the hands of Swansea at Old Trafford. The team showed similar signs with what David Moyes was struggling with last season as they were poor at home and registered another loss. The first few fixtures for the Red Devils aren’t too tough to overcome while they must also be delighted that finally, there is an astute defensive addition in Marcos Rojo and the potential signing of Angel Di Maria. Nothing short of a win would be accepted by the ambitious manager.
Team News
Star man Robin van Persie along with Welbeck, Valencia and Johnny Evans are expected to be back for contention as they’re back training. Youngster Jesse Lingaard won’t be featuring because of injury while Carrick and Shaw are also out injured. Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini are also doubtful with ankle niggles. Rojo’s debut depends on the situation of his work permit.
Sunderland will be without midfielder Billy Jones who has injured his hamstring. Also they would miss Emanuelle Giacherrini who is out with a groin injury and Santiago Vergini who is also injured.
So, when we look at the available team for Manchester United, Mata would be playing behind the strikers in the pocket ahead of central midfielders Fletcher and Cleverley. Young Blackett would need to start the match again if Evans doesn’t return while Smalling would hold his place unless of course Rojo is allowed to start.
Sunderland would be having most if their main players fit unlike Man United. Rodwell and Cattermole are expected to continue in the centre of the park while Fletcher and Wickham would be expected to lead the line. They don’t have a natural right back so Roberge may have to fill in at the moment.
Probable Lineups :
Sunderland : Mannone; Aanholt, O’shea, Roberage, Brown; Cattermole; Wickham, Rodwell, Larsson, Johnson; Fletcher.
Manchester United : De Gea; Smalling, Jones, Blackett; Valencia, Fletcher, Cleverley, Young; Mata; Rooney, Van Persie.
Key Tactics
Man Utd couldn’t penetrate Swansea well the other day but they would be able to do it better away from home as they face Sunderland. They can afford to be a bit more compact and try to attack on the break, but the overall pace in the squad is less meaning they fall short of attacking dimensions. They’ll need to pick their passing soon as they would require to pass faster and increase the speed of the game as they’d have more possession.
Sunderland are the hosts today. They are somehow expected to be the ones who’ll be slaughtered by Man Utd, as the Red Devils are looking for their first win. The Black Cats will be forgiven if they choose to play a defensive or counter attacking game at home itself. Yet, they’d want their flair players Adam Johnson and Connor Wickham to cause problems on their own to the Man United defence. They are likely to attack fast and direct and also keep possession for a certain period of time whenever they win the ball back.
Key Players:
Adam Johnson, Jack Rodwell, Connor Wickham (Sunderland)
Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Juan Mata ( Man Utd)
Sunderland vs Manchester United Predicted Score:
Sunderland 1-2 Man Utd
The Red Devils have better quality than Sunderland. They also have been good while playing away from home. They are likely to grab their first win under van Gaal and kick start their season.
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