Manchester United host a surprisingly high-flying Sunderland in the Premier League as pressure continues to mount on Ruben Amorim.
The last time Sunderland were at Old Trafford, in December 2016, things were quite different: United won 3-1, with Daley Blind, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scoring for United that day. Ahead of the October international break, Amorim needs a result just as convincing to keep the naysayers at bay.
Standing in his and United's way are a Sunderland side sitting pretty at fifth in the league table. Led by captain Granit Xhaka on the field and manager Regis Le Bris off it, Sunderland have proved what a tough defence and efficient attacking can do early on this season.
Can United right their ship?
Here is everything you need to know about Saturday's match.
How to watch:
The match will not be available on telecast in the UK, while it can be seen on NBC in the U.S., JioHotstar in India, Stan Sport in Australia. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.
Key Details:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. BST (10 a.m. ET; 7.30 p.m. IST and 11 p.m. AEST, Sunday)
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Referee: Stuart Atwell
VAR: Neil Davies
Team News:
Manchester United
Lisandro Martínez, D: ACL, OUT, est. return late Oct
Sunderland
Ajibola Alese, D: Shoulder, OUT, est. return mid Oct
Dennis Cirkin, D: Wrist, OUT, est. return mid Oct
Leo Hjelde, D: Achilles, OUT, est. return mid Oct
Romaine Mundle, M: Hamstring: OUT, est. return mid Oct
Habib Diarra, M: Groin, OUT, est. return mid Dec
Expected Lineups:
Manchester United
GK: Senne Lammens
CB: Leny Yoro | CB: Matthijs De Ligt | CB: Luke Shaw
RWB: Noussair Mazraoui | CM: Bruno Fernandes | CM: Manuel Ugarte | LWB: Patrick Dorgu
AM: Bryan Mbuemo | AM: Matheus Cunha
CF: Benjamin Sesko
Sunderland
GK: Robin Roefs
RB: Trai Hume | CB: Nordi Mukiele | CB: Omar Alderete | LB: Arthur Masuaku
CM: Granit Xhaka | CM: Noah Sadiki
LM: Enzo Le Fee | CAM: Chris Rigg | RM: Chemsdine Taibi
ST: Wilson Isidor
Stats:
Manchester United have lost just two of their last 30 league games against Sunderland (W22 D6). At Old Trafford, it's been tough for Sunderland across all competitions -- they have managed just one win over their last 31 away games against United (D9 L21)
Maybe it's just Manchester -- Sunderland have won just one out of 29 away PL matches against the two Manchester-based clubs (D4 L24), a points-per-game of just 0.24 which is the worst of any side to play more than 15 away games against United and City.
If you're Ruben Amorim, look away -- this will be Ruben Amorim's 50th game in charge of Man Utd in all competitions, and none of the last five managers to hit that milestone for United have won their 50th (D3 L2).
United are unbeaten in their last 24 PL games against newly promoted sides (W21 D3)
Latest news and analysis:
- Every time Man United's Ruben Amorim has talked about his job
While it would appear that he retains the backing of the board for the time being, Ruben Amorim is a man who is attempting to operate under considerable, and rapidly mounting pressure at Manchester United.
- Man United's Tyrell Malacia to return from training exile
The 26-year-old had been part of the so-called "bomb squad" of players United had deemed surplus to requirements in the summer, along with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony.
- Transfer rumors, news: Como offer Man United's Zirkzee an escape
No agreement has been reached yet with either Italian side, but United are open to either a loan or permanent move when the window opens on Jan. 1
- Sunderland beat Forest to ruin Ange's home debut
Omar Alderete's first-half header helped Sunderland clinch their first away win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in Ange Postecoglou's first home game in charge.