Man Utd predicted XI vs Sunderland as Red ‘monster’ makes return from injury

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While it remains unclear whether or not the ‘monster’ striker (as Micah Richards once described him) will be fit enough for a starting role, one might imagine that Carrick will avoid risking him, especially after achieving the club’s main objective of the season.

Moreover, the 44-year-old could seize the opportunity to grant playing time for those who have featured less during his reign.

In this case, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount could be the prime contenders to break into the starting lineup. The Dutch striker and the English midfielder might be vying for one spot, and the latter could have the upper hand in Carrick’s pecking order. Therefore, Mount could start on the left wing, allowing Matheus Cunha to lead the line.

Speaking of the former Wolves star, earlier reports this week claimed that the Brazilian national team reached an agreement with Man Utd to rest him before the World Cup. Cunha quashed the rumour himself on social media, but he’ll be eager to make a further statement on the pitch.

The rest of the Man Utd starting lineup against Sunderland

Amad Diallo should get the nod over Bryan Mbeumo, as the Ivorian needs to recover his best form after a challenging period.

Keen to equal and perhaps break the Premier League assist record per season, Bruno Fernandes will certainly keep his place in the lineup, backed by the tried-and-trusted double pivot of Kobbi Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.

Lisandro Martinez should reclaim his berth alongside Harry Maguire after serving a three-match ban, relegating the in-form Ayden Heaven to the bench.

Luke Shaw has been playing non-stop this season, so this could be the right opportunity to hand him some well-deserved rest, especially after encountering physical issues in recent weeks. In this case, Noussair Mazraoui should start at left-back, with Diogo Dalot keeping his place on the right.

Man Utd predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Mount; Cunha.