Midfield
RWB – Diogo Dalot – if Amad is available, then the Ivorian may well get the nod. Otherwise, the Portuguese international will keep his place, despite his limitations.
CM – Casemiro – neither the Brazilian nor Manuel Ugarte are really the answer to the club’s problems in midfield, but Amorim can’t start both Kobbie Mainoo and Fernandes in a double pivot. Neither is defensively minded enough to protect the back three.
CM – Bruno Fernandes – the captain failed to step up in a big moment against Brentford, missing the penalty that would have made it 2-2. He will be keen to make amends on Saturday.
LWB – Patrick Dorgu – the Dane was, at the very least, a threat last weekend. That is a very low bar, though. In general, he is far below the standard required to be a starter for United.
Forwards
RW – Bryan Mbeumo – the forward has called on the first-team squad to step up to the plate following the defeat to Brentford. Hopefully, the Cameroon international backs up his words with a good performance on the pitch.
ST – Benjamin Sesko – the 22-year-old has now scored his first goal for the club, but his all-round game still leaves a lot to be desired.
LW – Matheus Cunha – the Brazilian has the ability to turn the game on its head by himself, and he needs to showcase his individual talent against Sunderland.
Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
