Ruben Amorim’s under-fire Manchester United side will aim to bounce back to winning ways when they host newly-promoted Sunderland at Old Trafford in Saturday’s Premier League clash.
This will be the clubs’ first meeting since April 2017, when Man United cruised to a 3-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.
The stakes are higher now, with Amorim clinging to his job amid mounting pressure following last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford, which cancelled out any momentum gained from their hard-fought win over Chelsea.
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United remain without back-to-back league victories under Amorim, but could register a third straight home win if they overcome a confident Sunderland side.
The Black Cats, enjoying life back in the top flight, have picked up 11 points from their first six games, sitting sixth in the table after three wins and two draws.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, are languishing in 14th after losing three of their opening six matches, conceding 11 goals in the process.
Amorim also approaches his 50th match in charge, but history is against him; none of United’s last five permanent managers won their 50th game at the helm, with Sir Alex Ferguson the last to do so in November 1987.
However, United can draw confidence from their remarkable record against promoted teams, having gone 24 Premier League matches unbeaten against newcomers since losing 4-1 to Watford in 2021, the game that ended Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s reign.
Key Stats
Manchester United have lost 3 of their opening 6 league games, conceding 11 goals.
United are unbeaten in their last 24 Premier League games against newly-promoted clubs.
Amorim takes charge of his 50th United game, with history stacked against him.
Prediction
Sunderland’s strong start and fearless approach could trouble a fragile United side, but Old Trafford form and their record against promoted clubs may tip the balance.
