Game Week 7 Predictions: United must beat Sunderland

Man Utd vs Sunderland at Old Trafford. Red Devils chase respite under Amorim; Black Cats soar 8pts clear under Le Bris. Verdict: United to win.

Manchester United's Ruben Amorim is probably smoking his last cigarette here, will he live to fight again after the international break? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester United vs Sunderland

Old Trafford Stadium

3:00pm

The last thing Manchester United wants is two weeks of a bad result hovering around like dark clouds; they must find a way to beat Sunderland, as a draw won’t offer much.

Regis Le Bris has done an amazing job with Sunderland on their return to the top flight, leading them to 6th on the log, eight positions above their opponents of the day, and they must wonder how possible it is for them to be clear of United by four points; they can’t possibly comprehend it.

The United they left in the Premier League before their relegation weren’t the best, but in no way would they have been ahead of them on the log, a testament to the magic of Le Bris, who now craves another result to send the Black Cats into the break with a big result.

It's tough talking about Ruben Amorim and his time at Old Trafford. The records keep getting messier, and you’d be inclined to understand if the club shows him the exit door anytime soon; in fact, it’s hard to believe that they haven’t sacked him considering his horrible run. Will it get better?

Erik ten Hag spent three years at Manchester United with results swinging around and performances bordering on pathetic; however, it took only two games for Bayer Leverkusen to fire the Dutchman. Such ruthlessness may have been of help to United.

Granit Xhaka, the former Arsenal man, is the one leading the Black Cats from the middle of the park; the Swiss has been immense for Sunderland, and his goal contributions are also something to appreciate, as he has assisted Sunderland’s last three goals.

The spotlight will once again be on Amorim and his formation. Regardless of personnel, the Portuguese will always stick to his style, and he has asked the club to sack him if they want him to change the system. Will this be the end of him?

Matheus Cunha hasn’t set Old Trafford ablaze as expected, but Benjamin Sesko is off the mark; the Slovenian scored against Brentford, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the Red Devils from another loss, and Bryan Mbeumo has shown promise, but he needs more to justify the spend on him.

Wilson Isidor is the man to watch upfront for Sunderland. There are options on the bench for Le Bris, as seen in their impressive win over Nottingham Forest with Bertrand Traore and Simon Adingra. United must be wary of their defensive solidity and discipline. It won’t be an easy game for Amorim.

Verdict: United to win.