Sunderland vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Sunderland vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Manchester United travel to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon with Champions League qualification already secured.

Michael Carrick’s side confirmed elite European football by defeating rivals Liverpool last weekend. The Red Devils now aim to consolidate third place and maintain their excellent momentum.

Meanwhile, Sunderland have enjoyed a stable campaign upon their top-flight return under Régis Le Bris. That said, a recent three-game winless run has hampered their outside hopes of a European spot. The Black Cats currently sit twelfth but remain within touching distance of the top eight.

Man Utd have won thirty-two points in fourteen games since Carrick took charge in January. No Premier League side has accumulated more points during that timeframe. United have scored in twenty-three consecutive league matches and enter this fixture as heavy favourites.

However, Sunderland remain a dangerous prospect on home soil when they score first. The hosts are one of only three sides still unbeaten this season after opening the scoring. This fixture represents the first trip to the Stadium of Light for United in nine years.

Sunderland vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

• Competition: Premier League
• Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026
• Kick-off: 15:00 BST
• Venue: Stadium of Light
• Referee: Stuart Attwell
• VAR: Peter Bankes
• Last Meeting: Man Utd 2–0 Sunderland, 4 Oct 2025, Premier League

Team news

Sunderland

Dan Ballard begins a three-match suspension after an appeal against his red card was rejected. remains sidelined with a thigh injury. However, and Bertrand Traoré have returned to full training this week. Either or Luke O’Nien will likely partner in central defence. Captain is fit to lead the side in midfield.