Manchester United host Sunderland for the first time in over eight years as Ruben Amorim’s side hope to get their season back on track against the newly-promoted outfit
Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter
07:30, 04 Oct 2025
Manchester United face a tricky test to reignite their season as they take on Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.
The Red Devils are currently sat 14th in the Premier League table after earning just two wins in their first six fixtures of the season. With Ruben Amorim under intense pressure, the clash against the Black Cats could be a vital one when it comes to his future in Manchester.
Reeling after a 3-1 defeat to Brentford last week, Amorim will be hoping his players have what it takes to return to winning ways. But they will face a stern test against the side managed by Regis Le Bris side, who are on a four-match unbeaten run.
The newly-promoted side have won three matches, drawn two and lost just once so far this season, conceding a mere four goals, with only Arsenal and Crystal Palace boasting a superior defensive record.
Despite the match promising to be an exciting one, fans in the UK will have to miss out on catching it live as it’ll not be televised. The MEN brings you all you need to know ahead of the clash, including timings and how to tune into the action if you’re abroad.
What time does Man United vs Sunderland kick off?
Manchester United will host Sunderland on Saturday, October 4, with the match against the Black Cats scheduled to kick off at 3pm.
It’ll be the first time the two sides face each other since April 2017 when United claimed a 3-0 win over their opponents at the Stadium of Light. That season spelled the end of Sunderland’s 10-year run in the Premier League as they finished 20th and were relegated.
How to watch Man United vs Sunderland
The match at Old Trafford will not be broadcast live by either Sky Sports or TNT Sports, as it falls under the 3pm blackout that top-flight clubs must adhere to.
While UK-based fans are forced to miss out on 3pm kick-offs, the blackout rule does not apply to fans across the globe. For example, Peacock will stream the game live in the United States.
For supporters in the UK wanting to catch some of the action, they’ll have to wait until after full-time, when they can watch highlights of the game on Sky Sports. The highlights, which last around three minutes, will be posted on their sports app and social media channel, as well as on YouTube.
Should there be an appetite for extended highlights, Match of the Day airs from 10:30pm on BBC One on Saturday night. The show can also be watched on iPlayer from 8pm on Saturday.
Team news ahead of Man United vs Sunderland
Amorim will be buoyed by the returns of Casemiro and Amad Diallo, both of whom missed last week’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford. The Brazilian was suspended for the clash after picking up a red card against Chelsea, while the Ivorian missed the match due to family reasons.
Diallo returned to training on Wednesday and is now in contention to play against his former side, who he scored 14 goals in 42 appearances for in the 2022/23 season. Lisandro Martinez remains United’s lone long-term absentee as the defender continues to recover from is cruciate ligament injury.
However, Noussair Mazraoui will be unavailable for selection until after the international break after he picked up a thigh injury. Tyrell Malacia, who was a member of United’s infamously named ‘bomb squad’ this summer, has been reintegrated into first-team activities by Amorim.
For Sunderland, Reinildo remains out of action as he continues to serve a three-match ban after picking up a straight red card against Aston Villa last month.
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2025-10-04 06:30:00
