Manchester United vs Sunderland: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Manchester United vs Sunderland in the Premier League. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 BST match.

• Fixture: Manchester United vs Sunderland

• Date: Saturday, 04 October 2025

• Kick-off: 15:00 BST

• Venue: Old Trafford

Match Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Sunderland

Manchester United are coming off a mixed bag of results, but they've shown they can score at home. They'll look to exploit Sunderland's recent defensive lapses, especially after that loss to Burnley. 

Expect United to control the game with their midfield, pushing forward and creating chances. Sunderland, on the other hand, have been solid away from home, but they'll need to be more clinical if they want to nick a result at Old Trafford.

Sunderland's recent form suggests they can hold their own, but they'll need to be at their best to keep United at bay. They've got the players to hit United on the break, but it's all about taking their chances. 

If they can stay disciplined and frustrate United early on, they might just sneak a goal. However, United's home advantage and attacking threat could ultimately prove too much.

Manchester United's recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five league games. They've shown they can be dangerous at home, beating Chelsea and Burnley, but they'll need to tighten up at the back after that heavy defeat to Manchester City. 

If they can find their rhythm early, they should have enough firepower to see off Sunderland. The key will be maintaining focus and avoiding complacency.

• Loss: 1-3 vs Brentford (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs Chelsea (H)

• Loss: 0-3 vs Manchester City (A)

• Win: 3-2 vs Burnley (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Fulham (A)

Sunderland have been fairly consistent lately, with two wins and two draws in their last five league games. They've been particularly strong away from home, securing a win against Nottingham Forest and a draw against Crystal Palace. 

However, their loss to Burnley shows they can be vulnerable at the back. If they can keep things tight and hit United on the counter, they might be able to pull off a result.

• Win: 1-0 vs Nottingham Forest (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Aston Villa (H)

• Draw: 0-0 vs Crystal Palace (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs Brentford (H)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Burnley (A)

Manchester United have had the upper hand in recent meetings with Sunderland, winning four out of the last five encounters. The most recent clash saw United triumph 3-0 away from home. 

However, Sunderland did manage to beat United 2-1 back in 2016, showing they can cause an upset. This history suggests United are the favourites, but anything can happen in football.

• Sunderland 0-3 Manchester United (09 Apr 2017)

• Manchester United 3-1 Sunderland (26 Dec 2016)

• Sunderland 2-1 Manchester United (13 Feb 2016)

• Manchester United 3-0 Sunderland (26 Sep 2015)

• Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland (28 Feb 2015)

• Noussair Mazraoui (Knock) - Out

• Lisandro Martinez (Knee) - Out

• Tyrell Malacia (Fitness) - Doubt

• Romaine Mundle (Hamstring) - Out

• Aji Alese (Shoulder) - Out

• Leo Hjelde (Achilles) - Out

• Dennis Cirkin (Wrist) - Out

• Reinildo (Suspended) - Out

• Habib Diarra (Groin) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Bayındır, De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbuemo, Cunha, Sesko

Following their defeat at Brentford, United will need to improve their defensive performance. The midfield duo of Fernandes and Ugarte will be crucial in controlling the game and feeding the ball to Sesko up front.

• Predicted lineup: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Masuaku, Xhaka, Sadiki, Talbi, Rigg, Fée, Isidor

Sunderland's backline will need to be on top form to deal with United's attacking threat. The midfield battle will be key, with Xhaka and Sadiki tasked with breaking up play and launching quick counters.

• Sesko vs Mukiele: This will be a crucial battle between Manchester United's striker and Sunderland's defender, with Sesko looking to exploit any gaps in the defence.

• Ugarte vs. Xhaka: The midfield duel between Manchester United's Ugarte and Sunderland's Xhaka will be crucial, with both players seeking to control the game's tempo.

• Dorgu (Manchester United): Dorgu's energy could be a game-changer for Manchester United, enabling them to control the game and create opportunities.

• Xhaka (Sunderland): Xhaka's ability to break up play and start quick counters makes him a key player for Sunderland, especially in a tough away game.

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