Manchester United: Predicted line-up vs Sunderland and injury news

Wayne Rooney is expected to be back

Let’s put the Shakhtar Donetsk match behind us and look forward to Manchester United’s Premier League clash against the league’s worst side at the moment. The Red Devils travel to the Stadium of Light to face a manager-less Sunderland team who are currently at the bottom of the table with just one point from the 6 league games played so far.

A win over the Black Cats will help United avoid a third successive defeat in the Premier League. Manchester United have lost three of their opening six league games for the first time since 1989/90. United also lost their seventh game in that season, which is exactly what Moyes and United would hope to avoid. So what are the odds of another defeat this Saturday? (The current away win odds set by the bookmakers on Manchester United stand at 1.68.)

As far as the news team is concerned, Moyes is expecting the return of England stars Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney. The duo missed midweek’s Champions League clash and might start the game this time around.

In midfield, Moyes has two major selection headaches. While the problem with Shinji Kagawa’s place is permanent, Tom Cleverley is knocking the door with his decent performance against Shakhtar. Playing alongside Carrick and Fellaini in a three man midfield, Cleverley looked efficient which makes the United manager’s life all the more difficult.

However, if Rooney returns, Fellaini might be pushed back allowing the forward to play just behind Robin van Persie which means Cleverley will lose his place. Elsewhere, Danny Welbeck who scored for United playing from the left has again put Kagawa’s starting place in jeopardy. But similar to Cleverley’s situation, Rooney’s return will definitely change United’s set up and Kagawa will hope to secure a starting berth this time around. On the right, Valencia will keep his position while Nani, Young and Hernandez will find their places on the bench.

So here is a look at United’s possible XI to play against Sunderland.

Here is an alternative XI, if Rooney does miss the game.