Sunderland star can exploit key Man United weakness to break 11-year hoodoo
Manchester United will welcome Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday, with the visitors in a fine run of form.
Sunderland beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 away from home in their last Premier League outing and will hope to continue their away run.
Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland are all aiming for survival in the Premier League after a series of two straight seasons where the three newly promoted sides have all been relegated straight back to the Championship.
Ruben Amorim is at risk of being sacked at Man United should Sunderland leave Old Trafford with all three points.
Granit Xhaka is the key for Sunderland against Man United
Even a draw could be enough to force Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s hand, and Granit Xhaka will be vital in anything positive Sunderland takes away on Saturday.
Xhaka has assisted the last three goals Sunderland have scored, having also registered an assist the last time he played Man United, according to the BBC.
The Swiss international will likely dominate the middle of the park at Old Trafford, with Man United’s midfield becoming a bigger issue every week.
Xhaka was part of a big summer overhaul in the North East, with Regis Le Bris adding over £150 million of talent to his squad.
Sunderland have earned 11 points already in the first six games of the season, placing them fifth in the fledgling Premier League table. Meanwhile, all three points against United would secure the Black Cats their first win at Old Trafford since May 2014.
Granit Xhaka set to take advantage of Man United’s weakness
Sunderland’s stern defence will be a worrying prospect for the goal-shy Man United attack, but their biggest concern may actually be in midfield.
Xhaka will be a key component to take advantage of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the midfield pivot, while Noah Sadiki still appears set to deputise for the injured Habib Diarra.
| 2025-26 per 90 stats | Granit Xhaka | Bruno Fernandes | Casemiro |
| Progressive passes | 5.33 | 8.83 | 5.56 |
| Passes into final third | 5.67 | 6.5 | 3.7 |
| Key passes | 1.33 | 2.67 | 0.74 |
| Shot-creating actions | 3.33 | 6.21 | 0.74 |
| Tackles + interceptions | 3.17 | 2.33 | 2.96 |
| Tackles in midfield third | 1 | 1 | 0.74 |
Enzo Le Fee will likely cause havoc for Man United, picking up possession in pockets between the Red Devils’ disjointed back three and overwhelmed midfield pairing.
A win would see Sunderland surpass Southampton’s entire 2024-25 points tally, and Le Bris will surely look to Xhaka as a huge part in making that reality at Old Trafford.