Overview
- At the Stadium of Light, the match kicks off Saturday at 15:00 BST as Manchester United arrive with Champions League qualification secured and Sunderland target a European place.
- Sunderland lose starting centre-back Dan Ballard to suspension after his red card against Wolves, a blow for a defence built on shape and discipline that has produced 10 clean sheets.
- Lisandro Martinez is available after a three-match ban, and several outlets predict tweaks for United that could include Leny Yoro at centre-back, a Casemiro–Kobbie Mainoo pairing, and Benjamin Sesko up front.
- Carrick said the 2012 finale still “sticks in the memory,” when Sergio Aguero’s late goal handed the title to Manchester City as United finished their own win at Sunderland.
- United captain Bruno Fernandes sits one assist short of the Premier League single-season mark of 20, adding a personal chase to a run-in where United also aim to lock down third place.