Sunderland vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Prediction

Manchester United take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon looking to kick start their Premier League campaign.

The beleaguered former champions had hoped for a fresh start after last years disastrous season under David Moyes but the Old Trafford faithful had to watch on as they were undone by Swansea on the opening day last weekend.

It was certainly not the start Louis van Gaal had hoped for and his task has been made all the more difficult by a spate of injuries, but the Dutchman is confident he can get his side back on track starting tomorrow.

United will face a Sunderland wide that started the new season with a 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion thanks to a late equaliser from midfielder Seb Larsson.

Gus Poyet will hope to make it back-to-back victories over United having walked away from Old Trafford with three points back in May, but the Black Cats have a poor record home against the Red Devils having never won a Premier League game on home soil so they will be desperate to put that right tomorrow.

Team news

Louis van Gaal will have to make do without seven of his first team squad for the game. New signing Marcos Rojo is ineligible having not received his work permit yet so he joins Luke Shaw in missing the trip to Wearside.

Jonny Evans is due to resume training on Sunday but won’t be in contention for the match so van Gaal is likely to stick with the back three that started last weekend.

United have been dealt a blow with the news that Ander Herrera is out having picked up an ankle injury in training last week, so he joins Michael Carrick, Jesse Lingard and Marouane Fellaini on the sidelines leaving van Gaal with few options in midfield.

The good news is that Robin van Persie and Antonio Valencia are available again and should be restored to the starting eleven.

Sunderland will have to make do without Emanuele Giaccherin as he continues to nurse a groin injury, but Billy Jones and Santiago Vergini are back in contention having recovered from injury.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Robin van Persie: United looked a little toothless last weekend so the return of van Persie couldn’t have come at a better time. The Dutchman will be a real threat to the home side so they’ll have to keep a close eye on him if they want to take anything from the game.

Prediction

Sunderland 1-1 Man Utd: United have their injury problems and are going to take time to get used to van Gaal’s new system, so I can see Sunderland holding them to a draw tomorrow.

What team would you put out and whats your predicted score?