2025/26 Premier League MW7 Preview - Man Utd vs. Sunderland: Can the Red Devils tame the Black Cats? October 2, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

Manchester United is set to host Sunderland in a Premier League fixture on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM BST. This meeting marks the first time these two clubs face off since 2017, following Sunderland's long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Current Form and Standings

Manchester United

United's 2025-26 campaign has been far from convincing. They sit 14th in the table with just 7 points from six matches (W2 D1 L3), and their form has been inconsistent (DWLWL). A 3-1 defeat to Brentford in their most recent league outing further piled pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, who has won just 18 of his 49 games across all competitions.

Statistically, United have struggled to turn chances into goals. They have scored 7 times and conceded 11, leaving them with a -4-goal difference. Their expected goals tally of 11.8 suggests inefficiency in front of goal, while their expected goals against of 9.2 reflects defensive lapses.

Sunderland

Newly promoted Sunderland, meanwhile, have exceeded expectations. Sitting 5th in the table with 11 points after six matches, they have shown resilience and quality with a record of LWDDW in their last five games. Their latest outing was a disciplined 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

With 7 goals scored and only 4 conceded, Sunderland boasts a goal difference of +3. Their expected goals of 6.1 highlights efficiency in front of goal, and their 0.67 goals conceded per 90 minutes speaks to a well-organized defense. Key to their strong start has been manager Regis Le Bris, who has instilled confidence and tactical discipline, coupled with a productive summer transfer window.

Manchester United vs. Sunderland Sports Bet Odds

vThe Red Devils are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Red Devils are favored by 1 goal, with a full-time result of 1.48.
• The Black Cats are the underdogs by 1 goal, with a full-time result of 6.00.
• Draw has a full-time result of 4.75.
• Total is set at 2.5 goals, with the Under at 2.20 and the Over at 1.66.

Team News and Key Players

Manchester United face several injury concerns heading into this match:

• Noussair Mazraoui (DF): Out until after the international break.
• Lisandro Martínez (DF): Recovering from a long-term ACL injury, back in training.
• Tyrell Malacia (DF): Back in training, match fitness uncertain.
• Diogo Dalot (DF): Fresh injury concern after pulling out of Portugal duty.
• Matheus Cunha (FW): Sidelined with a hamstring issue.
• Mason Mount (MF): Working on recovery.
• Amad Diallo (FW): Returned from compassionate leave.
• Casemiro (MF): Returns from suspension, providing midfield stability.

Key Players to Watch (Man Utd):

• Benjamin Šeško (FW): Recently opened his United account.
• Bruno Fernandes (MF): Captain with 2 league goals, thrives against promoted sides (5 goals, 6 assists in last 9).
• Casemiro (MF): Adds grit and experience on his return.

Sunderland are also missing a few important names:

• Habib Diarra (MF): Out until 2026 (groin surgery).
• Reinildo (DF): Suspended.
• Dennis Cirkin (DF): Wrist injury, return expected mid-October.
• Ajibola Alese (DF): Shoulder issue, return possible by October 4.
• Luke O'Nien (DF): Long-term shoulder injury, potential return this match.

Key Players to Watch (Sunderland):

• Granit Xhaka (MF): Creative leader, has assisted Sunderland's last three league goals.
• Omar Alderete (DF): Dangerous aerial threat, scored decisive winner vs Forest.
• Dan Neil (MF): Young captain driving play from deep midfield.

Head-to-Head Record

Manchester United and Sunderland have met 34 times since 1996. United dominate the rivalry with 24 wins, Sunderland have 4, and 6 matches have ended in draws. In the Premier League specifically, United's record is W23 D6 L3, losing only twice in their last 30 league games against the Black Cats.

The last meeting came in April 2017, when United ran out 3-0 winners. Sunderland's struggles at Old Trafford are well documented, with just one win in their last 31 visits across all competitions - a 1-0 victory in May 2014.

Final Thought

This match represents a clash of narratives: Manchester United's desperate need for consistency versus Sunderland's surprising resurgence. United's home advantage and quality on paper suggest they should win, but Sunderland's defensive solidity and newfound confidence make them a dangerous opponent. If Amorim's side fails to take control early, Sunderland could very well extend United's rocky start to the season.

2025/26 Premier League Table

#	CLUB	W	D	L	PTS
1	Liverpool	5	0	1	15
2	Arsenal	4	1	1	13
3	Crystal Palace	3	3	0	12
4	Tottenham Hotspur	3	2	1	11
5	Sunderland	3	2	1	11
6	Bournemouth	3	2	1	11
7	Manchester City	3	1	2	10
8	Chelsea	2	2	2	8
9	Everton	2	2	2	8
10	Brighton and Hove Albion	2	2	2	8
11	Fulham	2	2	2	8
12	Leeds United	2	2	2	8
13	Brentford	2	1	3	7
14	Manchester United	2	1	3	7
15	Newcastle United	1	3	2	6
16	Aston Villa	1	3	2	6
17	Nottingham Forest	1	2	3	5
18	Burnley	1	1	4	4
19	West Ham United	1	1	4	4
20	Wolverhampton	0	1	5	1