Football Update: Manchester United vs. Sunderland preview
Manchester United’s home game against Sunderland is anything but a forgone conclusion. On paper, it seems as though United will have no trouble in dispensing with Steve Bruce’s side. The Red Devils have an almost perfect home record, having dropped only
2 points at Old Trafford in the season so far. However, the reality is that Sunderland seem likely to give Manchester United a real run for their money.
Sunderland held Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to a goalless draw earlier this season at the Stadium of Light. Many believe that United were lucky to escape the game with a point. Sunderland dominated the entire game on that day and would have felt hard-done by
the draw. Sir Alex called the match their toughest away fixture of the season so far and he will be wary of the threat the Black Cats pose to Manchester United’s unbeaten record.
Sir Alex recently praised the Sunderland team, saying, “In all the time I have been at Manchester United, I could probably point to six perfect performances. Steve will look at that (win against Chelsea) in the same way. It was one of the stand-out performances
of the season. They were absolutely brilliant and could have won by six or seven. It is a reminder that we are dealing with a team that has that kind of ability and drive at the moment. We are in for a particularly hard game."
The United manager was referring to Sunderland’s shock victory over current champions http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 at Stamford Bridge. That victory is just one of Sunderland’s great results against the top sides this season. Sunderland have already gained a point each from their
encounters against Arsenal, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 and Tottenham. Sunderland’s fantastic form has seen them rise to 6th position in the League table, despite a slow start to their campaign.
Manchester United will be without their midfield maestro http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nemanja-Vidic-c27550 and Anderson will recover just in time for the game. Meanwhile, Steve Bruce has to make some
tough choices. The Sunderland boss will be without 7 of his senior team players. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-Welbeck-c10233 will be unavailable for the game due to his loan agreement.
However, Steve Bruce will be confident his side can pull yet another surprise this season. Sunderland are coming off the back of a good run, having lost only 1 match in their last 5. Steve Bruce’s side has nothing to lose as Sunderland make a push towards
a Europa league spot. Manchester United are on a 16 match unbeaten run, but they will have the added pressure of Arsenal and Manchester City breathing down their necks in the League table. The clash between the two teams promises to be an action packed affair.
Let’s see what transpires when the two teams meet on the 26th of December.
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