By Karl Matchett
United have 25 points on the road this term, understandably fewer than Man City or Arsenal, but also fewer than Tottenham and the same as Chelsea, who have themselves only triumphed once on the road since the first week of February. Away to Sunderland was a tougher prospect in the first half of the campaign than it is now in the second, too.
Carrick and critics
Ten victories in 14 games since taking charge on an interim basis has some calling for Carrick to be given the job regardless, with United now comfortable in third after beating Liverpool last week and set to return to the Champions League. But higher-ups in the club are wary of repeating the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer situation. Strong start to life back at Old Trafford or not, his prior managerial history simply reads 136 games at Middlesbrough with a 46% win rate – not usually the CV which lands an appointment at the club. Balancing up that lack of experience with the inexplicable truth that sometimes, a head coach and club simply fit together, is the hierarchy’s job now. All Carrick can do is keep putting results on the board and let that do the talking. Close the gap at the top and be third in every respect – goals scored, conceded, home form and away – is really all he can now offer to highlight his case.
Platform for season two
As for Sunderland, it’s tempting but perhaps harsh to label them an “on the beach” side – by 4 January they were eighth and had only lost four, and by 4 March they’d hit the magical 40 points milestone, still joint-top half at the time. Understandably they’ve run out of steam in a first promoted season, winning only five of their last 19. All that matters though is taking lessons to repeat the trick next term, and not sinking to a disappointing league place now after all the early-season effort.
It’s three wins in ten for the Black Cats who have naturally tailed off a little, but they’ve also lost four of the last five at home.
Man United have won three on the bounce but haven’t enjoyed back-to-back away wins since December. They won at Chelsea in their last match on the road.
Team news
Dan Ballard is suspended following his red card against Wolves while Bert Traoré and Nilson Angulo are doubts through injury.
Matthijs de Ligt is Man United’s only absentee, but Ayden Heaven could keep his place in defence despite Lisandro Martínez returning from suspension.
Key player
For every Man United game right now it’s Bruno Fernandes, a strong candidate for Player of the Year. Top of the Premier League for chances created per 90, accurate long passes, actual assists and big chances created. Top of all European midfielders for that last stat, in fact.
Prediction
An away win but maybe not a pretty one: Sunderland 1-2 Manchester United.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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