United vs. Sunderland Match Report

United vs. Sunderland Match Report

Final result: United 2 - 0 Sunderland

Pre-match news: Luke Shaw came off the team sheet due to injury, so Rojo had to push out to left back and Jonny Evans came in at center back. It was a surprising decision, choosing Evans over Phil Jones or Paddy McNair, considering how much Evans has struggled recently. I didn’t mind it all that much giving Evans another chance to redeem himself before putting the nail in the coffin, especially against a weak attack in Sunderland. Granted, Young could have played at left back to allow Rojo to stay central. In the midfield, van Gaal elected to go with a seemingly flat four, with Young and di Maria on the wings. I’m happy he selected two natural wingers, though I would have preferred Januzaj over Young (even though I know I’m in the minority with that opinion). Blind and Herrera in the midfield, both good choices. Still wish there was a way to fit Mata into the starting lineup, but the only real way would be to drop a striker. Up top, sticking with the two strikers, Rooney and Falcao got a chance to start alongside each other. Falcao probably got the nod over Wilson just because of experience, but Wilson was ready to go on the bench, along with the other subs: Lindegaard, McNair, Carrick, Fellaini, Mata, and Januzaj.

Update: Changes to the projected lineup as it looks like it will now be a 4-2-3-1 with changes to the midfield and strikers. Herrera will drop into holding midfield with Blind while Rooney, Young, and di Maria will control the attack midfield. Falcao will get the chance as the lone striker. Biggest issue now will be service into Falcao, hopefully he can make enough runs to get into decent position.

United vs. Sunderland Match Preview

Manchester United:

Injuries: Robin van Persie will be out without a reported timetable for return thanks to an ankle injury picked up in the match against Swansea. Carrick’s return will likely have to wait another week as, according to van Gaal, he needs more match rhythm.

Last 5 matches: W-W-D-W-L

Likely formation: 4-1-3-2

Storyline:

Following a 2-1 defeat to Swansea last week, United look to regain their footing and capture three crucial points towards a tight race for the top four and a berth in next season’s Champions League. United currently sit in 4^th, one point behind Arsenal and one point ahead of Southampton, so there is no room for comfort, especially with a tough slate of games to finish the season. In a seven game stretch starting March 9th, United will face Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa, City, Chelsea, and Everton, in that order. I reckon United will need to secure approximately 27 points in the final 13 games to secure a place in the UCL, so three points against Sunderland is a must.

With van Persie out due to injury, who will start as the two strikers remains to be seen. Falcao, Wilson, and Rooney are all available as the most natural choices, and I expect to see Rooney and Falcao. Given Falcao’s form this season, though, I could see van Gaal using Wilson instead. The right side of the defense will also be something to keep an eye, specifically who van Gaal elects to use in right central defense and who he choose between Rafael, McNair, and Valencia at right back.

Expect United to continue to dominate possession, but the result of the game will likely depend on the quality of chances they can create from that possession. United’s midfield will need to provide proper service to the strikers and quick passing. As such, I hope to see Fellaini on the bench for the game unless United are desperate late in the game, which wouldn’t surprise me.

Sunderland:

Injuries: Jones, Rodwell, and Giaccherini

Last 5 matches: L-W-D-L-D

Likely formation: 4-4-2

Storyline:

Sunderland enter this matchup struggling, having dropped 10 points in the last five matches. At only three points clear of the relegation zone, Sunderland, like United though for different reasons, have little room for error. In the last round of the FA Cup, Sunderland lost to League One side Bradford City, so Gus Poyet must be feeling the pressure to win or at least hold their own versus United. Jermaine Defoe and Steven Fletcher will provide a decent attacking duo with Sebastian Larsson creating from the midfield.

Like other teams that have faced United this season, expect Sunderland to play counter attacking football. When United’s defense has been caught on the break thus far this season, it has not been pretty, most recently in Swansea’s game winning goal last week. If Sunderland can stay organized in defense for the duration of the game and capitalize on the few chances they’ll most likely get, United could be in for a second straight upset which would put Champions League football in jeopardy.

Prediction: United 3 – 1 Sunderland 

Manchester United’s All-Time Best XI

This may be the most difficult post I’ve made so far. With United’s rich history of talent in every position, it’s extremely challenging to narrow the pool down to the best starting XI. A lot of my choices are biased somewhat by personal preference and really who I was able to watch. Don’t agree with my picks? Let me know who you'd change in the comments!