North East | Can Sunderland continue their positive start to the season?

Manchester United v Sunderland Preview

Sunderland head to Manchester this weekend looking to build on their impressive start to the season and pile more pressure on United's manager.

Author | Lewis Whatley 

Stadium | Old Trafford 

Sunderland fans away at Crystal Palace 

The Black Cats have kicked off their season well with one loss in their first six outings. A good result here would be another huge bonus and a sign that they are heading towards a very impressive season. 

For United, they are on another poor run, having only won twice from their first six matches. However, they have put in some decent performances at Old Trafford.

Last time out for Sunderland 

An impressive win away at Nottingham Forest. Omar Alderete's first-half goal gave Sunderland the victory.   

After the match, Scott, a Sunderland supporter, said: "What a performance. The manager knows exactly what to do and so do the players. We have strength coming off the bench and I am excited to see where we can finish this season."

From the away at Forest v Sunderland 

Simon, another supporter, said: "To have lost only once in the first six games is an achievement, but the fixtures have been kind and much tougher tests lie ahead. Still, it is valuable to have points on the board."

Sunderland team news

Sunderland will be without Habib Diarra, Leo Hjelde, Romaine Mundle and Dennis Cirkin, all sidelined through injury, while Reinildo is suspended after his straight red card against Aston Villa.

Ajibola Alese is closing in on a return having been absent since January, while Luke O’Nien was named on the bench at Nottingham Forest after the injury he sustained in the play-off final against Sheffield United.

Man United team news

Picture from Old Trafford at Man United v Chelsea 

The home side will again be without Noussair Mazraoui, who is not expected to return until after the international break, and Lisandro Martínez, who remains in rehabilitation following the knee injury sustained earlier this year.

Casemiro is available once more after serving a one-match suspension at the weekend, having collected two yellow cards in the victory over Chelsea.