Sunderland vs Manchester United: Premier League Clash Preview

Sunderland host Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on 9 May 2026 in Premier League Regular Season round 36. Sunderland sit 12th on 47 points, goal difference -9, while Manchester United are 3rd with 64 points and a +15 goal difference.

Sunderland Availability

Sunderland have a mix of suspension and fitness concerns.

• D. Ballard (Suspension – Red Card) is sidelined.
• R. Mundle (Injury – Hamstring Injury) is sidelined.
• N. Angulo (Injury – Muscle Injury) is doubtful.
• B. Traoré (Injury – Knee Injury) is doubtful.

Creative midfielders G. Xhaka (1 goal, 6 assists) and E. Le Fée (4 goals, 5 assists) are both available and will be key to supplying the attack in Ballard’s absence at the back and with doubts in the forward line.

Manchester United Availability

Manchester United also carry notable doubts.

• B. Šeško (Injury – Leg Injury) is doubtful.
• M. de Ligt (Injury – Back Injury) is doubtful.

Šeško has 11 league goals and 1 assist, making his potential absence a major blow to United’s attacking threat. However, other leading contributors such as B. Mbeumo (9 goals, 3 assists), Casemiro (9 goals, 2 assists), Matheus Cunha (9 goals, 2 assists) and chief creator Bruno Fernandes (8 goals, 19 assists) are available.

Impact Summary

Sunderland lose defensive stability through Ballard and attacking depth via Mundle, Angulo and Traoré’s issues. Manchester United risk reduced cutting edge if Šeško does not feature, but retain a high-volume supporting cast, suggesting the visitors still bring superior attacking output into this fixture.