Overview
- Kick-off is 3pm BST on Saturday, October 4 at Old Trafford, with no live UK TV coverage due to the blackout.
- Newly promoted Sunderland sit fifth with 11 points from six matches, the best start by a promoted side since 2012–13.
- Lisandro Martínez remains out with an ACL injury while Casemiro returns from suspension and Amad Diallo is back in contention.
- United are expected to persist with a 3-4-2-1 shape, with Benjamin Sesko up front and Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha likely operating behind him.
- Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris cautioned that United could produce a strong reaction, as historic head-to-head records heavily favor the hosts at Old Trafford.