The big picture

Manchester United come in 18th on the ladder with 8 points; Sunderland are 19th on 8. Only a couple of spots separate them, so there is plenty riding on it.

Manchester United are 1–4–4 in Premier League 2026-27, averaging 1.1 goals for and 1.7 against.

Sunderland are 1–6–2 in Premier League 2026-27, averaging 0.8 goals for and 1.9 against.

Form

Manchester United have won one of their last five and most recently beat AS Roma 3–2.

Sunderland have won zero of their last five and most recently lost to Dinamo Zagreb 0–2.

Head to head

These sides have met 34 times on our records since 1996: Manchester United 23, Sunderland 3, 8 drawn.

Last time out (2025-26), it was a draw 0–0 at Stadium of Light.

Biggest margin between these two: Manchester United by 5 goals in 1996-97 (5–0).

Players to watch

For Manchester United, watch Matheus Cunha (0.8 goals a game in 2026-27) and Bruno Fernandes (0.5 goals a game in 2026-27).

For Sunderland, watch Noah Sadiki (0.3 goals a game in 2026-27) and Jules Ahoka (0.3 goals a game in 2026-27).

At Old Trafford

Manchester United have won 12 of their last 20 at Old Trafford.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder and history, Manchester United have the edge.