Manchester United have won each of their last three home games against Sunderland, with the Black Cats winning only once at Old Trafford in 31 attempts since 1968, this coming in 2014 when Sebastian Larsson was the match-winner.
Manchester United vs Sunderland preview
Sunderland have not finished above Manchester United since 1938 but, six games into the new campaign, they are four points better off, something surely no one predicted a few weeks ago.
What is predictable though is Manchester United's ongoing ineptitude. A fortnight ago, many were suggesting that Rúben Amorim's team had turned a corner, given that they beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford, with the massive caveat that the Blues were reduced to ten men inside four minutes. Alas, the Red Devils' search for back-to-back Premier League victories goes on, something they last achieved in May 2024, this time beaten 3-1 by Brentford in West London a week ago.
After falling 2-0 down very early, Benjamin Šeško bundled home his first goal for the club, before Bruno Fernandes saw a tame spot-kick saved, with the Bees finding the clinching third in stoppage time, the ball rather going straight through the flailing Altay Bayındır. As a result, they're still yet to win successive league games under Amorim, who has yielded a miserly 34 points from 33 matches in charge. After this, Man United's next four fixtures are Liverpool (A), Brighton (H), Nottingham Forest (A) and then Tottenham (A), so failure to win this one could crank up the pressure to 11.
Well, this is far from a home banker, given that Sunderland start the weekend fifth, having been beaten only once since victory in the EFL Championship play-off final. Last Saturday evening, Régis Le Bris' side claimed their first away victory since securing their Premier League return, defeating Nottingham Forest 1-0 courtesy of Omar Alderete's header on the cusp of half time.
The Black Cats have picked up seven points out of a possible nine at the Stadium of Light so far, while also holding Crystal Palace to a more than respectable goalless draw at Selhurst, meaning only Burnley, bizarrely, have managed to beat them to date. Thus, Sunderland will certainly arrive at Old Trafford brimming with confidence on Saturday; they couldn't though, could they?
Manchester United vs Sunderland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 145.
- Manchester United Wins: 65. Draws: 38. team2 Wins: 42.
Manchester United team news
After another Altay Bayındır blunder at Brentford, could this finally be the time that new goalkeeper Senne Lammens is handed his debut; if not now, then when?
Meantime, Noussair Mazraoui is sidelined, but Amad could return, after missing the trip to West London due to a family bereavement, so will he start at right-wing-back, displacing Diogo Dalot?
Also at the back, Leny Yoro has bizarrely been on the bench for both matches since the Manchester derby, while Casemiro is set to return to midfield, having served his one-match suspension.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Sunderland: (3-4-2-1): Bayındır; Maguire, de Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha, Šeško.
Manchester United player to watch vs Sunderland
After opening his Manchester United account a week ago, can new striker Benjamin Šeško find the Old Trafford net for the first time?
Sunderland team news
This is the second of Reinildo Mandava's three-match suspension, having been sent off against Aston Villa, while club-record signing Habib Diarra is out until December following groin surgery.
Nevertheless, given their impressive win at the City Ground, Régis Le Bris could name an unchanged lineup, featuring Arthur Masuaku deputising at left-back, with Trai Hume keeping his place on the opposite side, chosen over Lutsharel Geertruida.
In attack, Wilson Isidor has scored crucial goals in all three matches on Wearside, but can he now add one on the road?
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (4-3-3): Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Masuaku; Xhaka, Rigg, Sadiki; Talbi, Le Fée, Isidor.
Sunderland player to watch vs Manchester United
Captain Granit Xhaka has scored more career goals against Manchester United than any other club, bagging three during his time at Arsenal, as well as a total of six yellow cards in 14 career meetings, so is likely to be a central figure at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Manchester United vs Sunderland prediction
We are, boldly or otherwise, backing Sunderland to leave Old Trafford with a share of the spoils, although is that even an outlandish prediction at this stage: Manchester United 2-2 Sunderland.
Manchester United vs Sunderland FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Manchester United vs Sunderland in the Premier League on TV channel?
Manchester United vs Sunderland in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC & UNIVERSO
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Manchester United vs Sunderland in the Premier League on live streaming?
Manchester United vs Sunderland in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA NETWORK & UNIVERSO
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Manchester United vs Sunderland in the Premier League?
Manchester United vs Sunderland takes place on Saturday 4 October 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (BST), 10:00 (EDT) & 7:00 (PDT).