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Manchester United is set to face a challenging encounter as they square off against Sunderland this Saturday afternoon.
Currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table, the Red Devils have managed only two victories from their opening six matches of the season. With manager Ruben Amorim under mounting scrutiny, the upcoming clash with the Black Cats could prove pivotal for his tenure at Old Trafford.
Still smarting from a 3-1 loss to Brentford last week, Amorim will be banking on his squad's ability to bounce back and secure a win. However, they're up against a formidable Sunderland side, led by Regis Le Bris, who are currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten streak.
The newly-promoted team has had an impressive start to the season, winning three games, drawing two and suffering just one defeat, while conceding only four goals. Only Arsenal and Crystal Palace can boast a better defensive record.
The showdown between Manchester United and Sunderland is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, with the match set to kick off at 3pm BST (10am ET).
For the first time since April 2017, the two sides will face off, a match that saw United secure a 3-0 victory over their rivals at the Stadium of Light. That season marked the end of Sunderland's decade-long stint in the Premier League as they finished in 20th place and were relegated.
The Old Trafford clash won't be broadcast live by either Sky Sports or TNT Sports in the UK due to the 3pm blackout rule that top-flight clubs must adhere to.
While UK-based fans may miss out on 3pm kick-offs, the blackout rule doesn't apply to fans worldwide. Peacock will stream the game live in the United States.
UK supporters keen to catch some of the action will have to wait until after the final whistle, when they can view highlights of the game on Sky Sports.
Amorim will be heartened by the return of Casemiro and Amad Diallo, both of whom missed last week's 3-1 loss to Brentford. The Brazilian was suspended for the match after receiving a red card against Chelsea, while the Ivorian missed the game due to family reasons.
Diallo made a return to training on Wednesday and is now poised to face his former team, for whom he netted 14 goals in 42 appearances during the 2022/23 season. Lisandro Martinez remains the only long-term absentee for United as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.
However, Noussair Mazraoui will be out of action until after the international break due to a thigh injury. Tyrell Malacia, who was part of United's infamously dubbed 'bomb squad' this summer, has been welcomed back into first-team activities by Amorim.
On the Sunderland side, Reinildo remains sidelined as he serves a three-match ban following a straight red card against Aston Villa last month.
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