Sunderland vs Manchester United: Premier League Match Preview

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

Sunderland Availability

Sunderland face both suspension and injury concerns.

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

Ballard’s absence reduces defensive depth for a side that has conceded 46 goals in 35 matches, while Mundle’s injury removes an attacking option from a squad that has scored 37 league goals. Creative hubs G. Xhaka (6 assists) and E. Le Fée (5 assists) are available and expected to shoulder much of Sunderland’s chance creation.

Manchester United Availability

Manchester United also have key fitness worries.

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

Šeško, with 11 league goals and 1 assist, is a major blow if he fails to recover, given United’s 63 goals this year. De Ligt’s potential absence would test defensive rotations in a back line that has already conceded 48 goals.

Impact Summary

On attacking output, Sunderland lose mainly squad depth, while Manchester United risk being without their leading scorer Šeško, significantly impacting their forward threat if he is not passed fit.