Manchester United face a tough test on the road this afternoon when they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Michael Carrick’s side confirmed their place in next season’s Champions League with victory over Liverpool last week and are sitting pretty in third place, six points clear of their arch-rivals. But with millions of pounds the difference between finishing third and fifth, the job is not done. Carrick will also demand a strong end to the season to bolster his hopes of landing the job on a permanent basis.
Team News
Lisandro Martinez is available again after serving a three-match suspension. However, he might have a tough job reclaiming his spot in the side, with Ayden Heaven impressing in his absence. Matthijs de Ligt is the only confirmed injury absentee, with no clear timeline for the Dutchman’s return from a back injury that has sidelined him since November.
Benjamin Sesko was replaced at half-time last Sunday against Liverpool after taking a whack to the shin when he was shoved into the advertising boards by Ibrahima Konate. Carrick explained after the game that Sesko had already been dealing with a shin injury, aggravated by the impact. While the United boss did not offer an update on the striker when he spoke to the press on Friday, injury experts have told Metro the issue is unlikely to be a serious one.
Predicted Manchester United XI
With Champions League qualification in the bag, Carrick has suggested he will give more minutes to players who have been on the fringes of the first-team. Someone who will be hopeful of a runout is Patrick Dorgu. United could be in the market for a new left winger this summer, and in his last two starting appearances in that role, the Denmark international scored twice. A hamstring injury curtailed his progress under Carrick, but he could have the chance to make a further impression in the final weeks of the season.
Amad Diallo has struggled of late but will likely get a hero’s welcome on Wearside after his thrilling loan spell with the Black Cats in 2022-23.
How to Watch
Sunderland vs Manchester United kicks off at 3pm today (Saturday 9 May). Given that kick-off slot, the match is not available to watch live in the UK. But you can follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE matchday blog.
