Jose Mourinho will be a frustrated man as his Manchester United side managed to pick just a point from their game against Everton at home in the mid-week. They needed a last-minute equalizer from Zlatan Ibrahimović to steal a point but have a great chance of getting back to winning ways when they travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland this weekend.
Sunderland have taken just a point from their last five games in the league and are fresh from a loss to Leicester Cityu but David Moyes will hope that he can pull of an upset against his former employers. Mourinho is expected to go for the kill with his strongest XI and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie.
Team News:
The Red Devils are without the services of defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones both of who are injured. Playmaker Juan Mata is also out of this game while Mourinho also ruled skipper Wayne Rooney out of this tie.
Probable Manchester United Playing XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Jose Mourinho
GK – David de Gea
The Spaniard is the first choice shot-stopper for Mourinho and he will act as the last line of defense for his side.
RB – Antonio Valencia
The Ecuador full-back has been solid for United this season and Mourinho should reinstate him into the starting XI for this tie.
CB – Eric Bailly
With Jones and Smalling injured, Bailly has turned into the only option for Mourinho and he will lead the defensive line for his side in this game.
CB – Marcos Rojo
The Argentine has been superb playing as a centre-back recently and he should partner Bailly at the back against the Black Cats.
LB – Daley Blind
With Shaw failing to impress Mourinho in the last couple of outings, Daley Blind should be brought back at left-back for United.
CM – Ander Herrera
The Spaniard has been immense in the midfield for Manchester United and is one of the first names on the team sheet for them this season.
CM – Paul Pogba
With Sunderland expected to sit back and defend, Paul Pogba should partner Herrera in a two-man midfield for Manchester United in this game.
RW – Jesse Lingard
After a productive game against Everton, Lingard should keep his place on the wing and will hope to put in a solid performance on the night.
CAM – Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Was dropped from the first team in the previous game but he is integral to the plans of the manager and should be back in the starting XI this weekend.
LW – Anthony Martial
The French star also missed the game against Everton but he is one of the most exciting players in attack for United and should be back into the first team.
ST – Zlatan Ibrahimović
The savior in the previous game for United, Zlatan will have his work cut out on his first ever trip to the Stadium of Light.
