Manchester United are desperate to ease the growing pressure on themselves and enter the international break with victory when they host Sunderland on Saturday.
The Red Devils slumped to yet more disappointment and humiliation last weekend as they were deservedly beaten by Brentford on the road, leaving Ruben Amorim on the precipice and United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.
The light at the end of the tunnel is only a faint glimmer at present but United can clinch some much-needed respite by conquering newly-promoted Sunderland for a third successive home triumph.
Here is how United could line up at Old Trafford.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland (3-4-2-1)
GK: Altay Bayındır—The United stopper didn’t cover himself in glory for Brentford’s second or third goal last weekend, but did also produce several important saves to keep the score down early in proceedings.
CB: Leny Yoro—Yoro was a surprise absentee from the starting lineup at the Gtech Community Stadium, with United sorely missing the youngster during their defensive disaster-class.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt—With Yoro likely to replace Harry Maguire in the team, De Ligt should return to his preferred central position. The Dutchman endured a difficult afternoon in west London but has been one of United’s steadier performers this term.
CB: Luke Shaw—Shaw was another who floundered at Brentford having been dismantled by Erling Haaland and Co. two weeks prior. Amorim seems to have faith in the Englishman, however.
RWB: Diogo Dalot—With Noussair Mazraoui still absent for United, Dalot’s return is significant. The Portugal defender will compete with Amad Diallo for a place at right wing back, with the Ivorian available again after a recent family bereavement.
CM: Casemiro—The Brazilian was absent at Brentford as he served his one-game suspension, but his importance in midfield was made abundantly clear in the capital. United need him back in the engine room.
CM: Bruno Fernandes—Fernandes has now missed two penalties for United this season after last weekend’s weak effort, with the captain’s saved spot kick proving costly. He has scored on his last two Old Trafford outings, though.
LWB: Patrick Dorgu—Amorim will want Dorgu to provide plenty of attacking threat down the left wing, especially if the more conservative Dalot lines up on the opposite flank.
RF: Bryan Mbeumo—After two goals before the September international break, Mbeumo has blanked in his last three for United. He was unable to get on the scoresheet against his former club last weekend but did win United’s penalty.
ST: Benjamin Šeško—The Slovenian racked up six shots by the 32nd minute against the Bees, finally opening his account for United last Saturday. Despite the result, his first goal should offer him confidence moving forward.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland: Casemiro to Make Timely Return.
