Manchester United visit the Stadium of Light for a clash against Sunderland, hoping to continue their resurgent run in the Premier League since the turn of the year.
Ayomide Oguntimehin looks ahead to the May 9 encounter.
Sunderland vs Manchester United match preview
Sunderland have been decent in their first Premier League season after gaining promotion last year and enter this clash in 12th position. They have won 12 of their matches so far, recording 11 draws and losing 12 times as well.
However, the Black Cats were held to a 1-1 draw by relegated Wolves in their last outing, which dealt a major blow to their European dreams. They could still finish in the top half, as they have 47 points already in the league and are only a single point behind Everton in 10th position.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have enjoyed an improved spell since the arrival of Michael Carrick in an interim role at the beginning of the year. The 3-2 win over Liverpool in their last outing also confirmed their return to the UEFA Champions League after a two-year absence, and they are on course to also finish third in the Premier League standings. The Red Devils have won 18 league matches this season, recording 10 draws and only losing seven times.
Sunderland vs Manchester United Head-to-Head record
(Last five meetings)
- 04.10.2025 – Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland
- 09.04.2017 – Sunderland 0-3 Manchester United
- 26.12.2016 – Manchester United 3-1 Sunderland
- 13.02.2016 – Sunderland 2-1 Manchester United
- 26.09.2015 – Manchester United 3-0 Sunderland
👹 RLB on Manchester United:
‘They are strong in different phases. We have to be the best versions of ourselves. Firstly, be disciplined, and then it’s important to be bold and creative…’ pic.twitter.com/cTiyzSyuoR
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 7, 2026
Manchester United have dominated this fixture in recent meetings, winning four of the last five matches between both sides.
The Red Devils also claimed a 2-0 win over the Black Cats in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
Best betting odds
Over 1.5 Goals – 1.26 (via Betano)
Prediction
This clash has a rich history of producing goalscoring affairs and this particular clash is expected to continue the trend especially given how both teams have struggled in defence in recent matches.
Recent form: Sunderland
After a great start to the season, Sunderland have suffered a dip in form in recent outings and winless in their last three league games, losing two of these matches and recording a draw in their last appearance.
The Black Cats have also lost four of their last five league matches at at the Stadium of Light, including a dismal 5-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in their last home game.
Our penultimate away day of 2025/26 is up next 👊🌓 pic.twitter.com/WbCF1iqokN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 6, 2026
Recent form: Manchester United
Manchester United have been impressive in recent matches and have won all their last three games in the league. They have also lost only one game in their last six outings as well.
The Red Devils have only lost one of their last seven away games in the Premier League and have managed just a single clean sheet in their last eight.
Player to watch
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)
Bryan Mbeumo at Man United: career, salary, market value and more
Cameroonian forward Bryan Mbeumo will be hoping to end his goal drought which has now extended to 10 matches after their win over Liverpool.
The former Brentford forward’s pace and ability to shoot from outside the box will offer Manchester United a source of threat and he will be aiming to cap another outing with his first goal since February.
