Premier League 2025-2026: Sunderland-Manchester United, the likely lineups
The Premier League is preparing to treat itself to a weighty Saturday for all the goals still up for grabs in the top flight. In fact, the day’s matches, valid for the 36th round of the league, award very heavy points for both the title and the race for Europe. One of the highlights of the platter is the match that will take place at 4 p.m. at the Stadium of Light between Sunderland and Manchester United.
The context in which this match will mature is rich in insights for both teams. Michael Carrick’s Manchester United – who took over from Portuguese Ruben Amorim during the course of the season – has been on a clear upward trajectory, with eight wins in the 12 matches played under his leadership, allowing the Red Devils to consolidate in the upper reaches of the standings. In recent weeks United beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge thanks to a goal by Matheus Cunha and then overcame Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford, with goals by Cunha, Sesko and Mainoo decisive in getting the better of the Reds. Two results that testify to the group’s newfound solidity.
The Sunderland, for its part, comes to this fixture after a season-long run of great substance. Le Bris’ Black Cats have racked up three wins in their last four league games, keeping their European ambitions alive. The team has shown that it can hold its own against high-level comparisons, as evidenced by the match against Aston Villa on the 33rd day, where Brobbey and co. made life difficult for the Villans. On the previous day, on the other hand, Sunderland faced Wolverhampton in the race for a Conference League spot, with the Black Cats called upon to make up ground on seventh place.
Looking at the formation choices, Carrick confirms his now-trodden 4-2-3-1, with Lammens between the posts and the Casemiro-Mainoo pair acting as a screen in front of the defense. In attack, the English coach once again relies on the Mbeumo-Bruno Fernandes-Cunha tandem in the three-quarter, with Sesko the offensive terminal. De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are still absent, with Heaven confirmed alongside Maguire at the heart of the rearguard.
Le Bris responds with a 4-3-3 that sees Xhaka in the box, flanked by Diarra and Sadiki. Brobbey leads the attack supported by Rigg and Le Fee on the flanks, while Mukiele presides over the right lane. Compared to the eleven fielded against Wolverhampton, we note the return of O’Nien in defense and the insertion of Hume on the left side in place of Mandava or Reinildo.
Probable formations
Sunderland (4-3-3): Roefs; Mukiele, Alderete, O’Nien, Hume; Diarra, Sadiki, Xhaka; Rigg, Brobbey, Le Fee. Coach: Le Bris.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Maguire, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko. Coach: Carrick.
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