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As a United fan, this is the game which you might be longing for after what happened on the last day of the previous season. United had thought they had their 20th title in the bag, just when news came in that Sergio Aguero had scored to snatch the title away from the Red Devils. Manchester United were away to Sunderland on the last day of the Premier league season. Many of the Sunderland supporters were seen celebrating the fact that United had lost the title. It didn’t go down too well with Sir Alex Ferguson and his boys and he has since warned the Sunderland fans of a backlash when they go head to head.
Manchester United are coming off a dramatic win at the Etihad, with a late free kick from Robin Van Persie giving them a 3-2 win against Manchester City. Manchester United did not see much of the possession, but they managed to take advantage of the opportunities they got throughout the game.
Sunderland have returned to winning ways with a 3-0 thrashing of Reading. Steven Fletcher, who missed the game against Chelsea, scored on his return, giving his side a much needed win. Fatigue might have a role to play here as the Sunderland players will be playing their 3rd game in 7 days when they face Manchester United. Wayne Rooney also mentioned in his book “My Decade in the Premier League” that he wouldn’t mind if he didn’t play against any other team, but the game against Sunderland is what he was looking forward to.
FORM:
MANCHESTER UNITED
LWWWW
The Red Devils are enjoying a good run of form after the shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of Norwich. If you go by the stats, Manchester United have scored 19 times in the 6 games they have played at Old Trafford this season. Scoring goals has never been a problem. It is the defense which is not performing as well as they can. Clean sheets have been rare and few, which is very unlike the English giants. They are known to dominate and keep their opponents in check and not allow them to score freely. But if you go by the stats, December is the month when they really start to hit their best form. Sunderland could just present them a good platform to go on a run and extend their lead in the table.
SUNDERLAND:
LDLLW
Sunderland have been struggling to get the results so far this season. Only 1 win in the last five games has seen the Black Cats slide down the table rapidly. Martin O’Neil’ s side have been hit by injuries at the wrong intervals. Steven Fletcher was forced to sit out for a few games when he was looking in good touch. Adam Johnson and Danny Rose, who have been their most influential players in the couple of weeks, might miss the game at Old Trafford due to injuries picked up in the game against Reading.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
WAYNE ROONEY
Wayne Rooney was criticised for his goal scoring drought recently. But the England International has come back harder at his critics with two excellent goals against Manchester City. There was never a doubt about his goal scoring ability but for some reason or the other, he was unable to find the net. Now with 2 goals in his previous game and with the game against Sunderland coming up, Rooney could be the player who could rattle the Sunderland back four.
NEMANJA VIDIC
The Captain’s back. Sir Alex Ferguson will be a relieved man to see his main defender coming back from a long layoff. He probably had recovered from his injury before the game against Manchester City, but it would have been too risky to start him in such an important game. Now that he is available, it gives the defense much needed stability and one can see Manchester United performing well and keeping clean sheets.
STEVEN FLETCHER
He is also coming back after a spell on the sidelines due to an injury. He played in midweek against Reading for the whole 90 minutes and also found the net, giving his side a much needed win to boost their confidence before such a tough clash. The Scotland Striker has been their main weapon in terms of attack so far. He is good in the air and has the ability to make those vital runs in the box which could threaten any defense.
LAST FIVE GAMES
MANCHESTER UNITED
2-3 vs Manchester City (A)
3-4 vs Reading (A)
1-0 vs West ham (H)
3-1 vs QPR (H)
1-0 vs Norwich (A)
SUNDERLAND
3-0 vs Reading (H)
1-3 vs Chelsea (H)
2-1 vs Norwich (A)
0-0 vs QPR (H)
2-4 vs West Brom (H)
What to Expect:
Expect Manchester United to attack right from the whistle’s blown to the last minute. Sunderland, with this attack, won’t pose much of a problem to the United defense, even if they are not performing to their best. With the likes of Kagawa, Nani and Vidic all returning to the squad, expect a strong United team to overpower Sunderland.
Prediction: Man Utd 4-0 Sunderland
