Manchester United are desperate to get back to winning ways to try to pick themselves up after a slow start to the 2025/26 season.
Ruben Amorim is under intense pressure to get results after a dire first 11 months in charge at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have seven points from their first six games, and their next opponents are enjoying life back in the Premier League.
Sunderland sit fifth in the table with three wins from six games. The Black Cats visit Old Trafford as underdogs, but United would be naïve to underestimate their threat.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 15 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 3 | 9 | 13 |
| 3 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 12 |
| 4 |  TottenhamTottenham | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 11 |
| 5 |  SunderlandSunderland | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 11 |
| 6 |  BournemouthBournemouth | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 11 |
| 7 |  Manchester CityManchester City | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| 8 |  ChelseaChelsea | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 8 | 3 | 8 |
| 9 |  EvertonEverton | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 8 |
| 10 |  BrightonBrighton | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 8 |
| 11 |  FulhamFulham | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 8 |
| 12 |  LeedsLeeds | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 8 |
| 13 |  BrentfordBrentford | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 11 | -2 | 7 |
| 14 |  Manchester UnitedManchester United | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 11 | -4 | 7 |
| 15 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 6 |
| 16 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 6 |
| 17 |  Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | -5 | 5 |
Amorim needs to make changes to his team this week because anything less than a win could cost him his job at United.
How Man Utd should line-up against Sunderland
After United’s 3-1 defeat against Brentford last week, it’s crucial that Amorim’s side start to gain momentum, or else this season’s objectives will be out of reach before Christmas.
United will welcome Casemiro back into the squad after serving a one-match suspension.
In other positive news, Amad Diallo is available after being given compassionate leave following a family bereavement.
So, keeping in mind that Amorim is unwilling to change his system, this is the line-up he should name against Sunderland to save his job.
Goalkeeper
United have not kept a clean sheet this season, so it’s time to end the Altay Bayindir experiment and show the world why Ineos spent £18.2m on Senne Lammens to become their new goalkeeper.
Lammens is waiting to make his United debut, and Bayindir has very little to keep his place between the sticks.
Defence
Amad’s return should see Diogo Dalot drop out of the line-up, with Patrick Dorgu keeping his place on the left flank.
Amorim should also address the issue with United’s lack of pace in defence by starting Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven ahead of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. That would mean Matthijs de Ligt is the only defender to remain in the back three from last week’s defeat.
Midfield
The midfield must change completely. It’s time Amorim stopped overlooking Kobbie Mainoo and played him alongside Casemiro. This pairing would make United more disciplined in the middle of the pitch.
United’s midfield has been the most problematic area of the team this season; therefore, Amorim must make a change or two.
Attack
With Mainoo and Casemiro in midfield, it’s time to push Bruno Fernandes forward into his best role, as one of the number 10s. The Portugal international should be joined by Bryan Mbeumo, based on previous form.
Meanwhile, Amorim has to give Benjamin Sesko a run of games leading the line.
The Slovenian bagged his first goal in United colours last time out. Hopefully, that will give him the confidence to find the back of the net at Old Trafford for the first time this weekend.
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