There’s a new air around Manchester United now. A more uplifted feel, a happier atmosphere as it were. That is down to Ryan Giggs replacing David Moyes last week and immediately leading United to a convincing 4-0 win at Old Trafford against Norwich City in his first game. Now Sunderland are the visitors and the whole team will want to finish the season on a high after a disappointing campaign under the management of Moyes.
The crowds at home have been heavily disappointed at times this season. Defeats to rivals Manchester City and Liverpool in recent weeks topped this and piled misery on the 70 thousand or so piled into the four sides of Old Trafford. Last weekend’s result showed the beginning of a turnaround. Although Giggs is almost certain to not get the United job on a permanent basis he will be keen to show off his managerial talents at this early stage of his career; the Welshman is expected to move into coaching at the end of the season.
At the other end of the spectrum, Sunderland are still clinging on to safety. They’ve had some tough away trips in the last couple of weeks, including Manchester City and Chelsea (two games which came in succession in which they obtained 4 points). After having beaten Manchester United once already this season – in the Capital One Cup semi-final – they will feel they can obtain something from Saturday’s Premier League match. However, Old Trafford is still one of the toughest grounds in England.
Sunderland have some injury worries to contend themselves with ahead of the game in Manchester. Whilst Carlos Cuellar (hamstring) should be available for selection, three players remain on the injury table. Ki Sung-Yeung (knee), Steven Fletcher (ankle) and Kieran Westwood (shoulder) are all definitely absent for the visit to the north-west.
Manchester United’s injury list could be reduced to just one player by Saturday’s game. Robin Van Persie (knee) has been out for several weeks and has spent time in his home country of Holland ahead of the World Cup, being photographed with Louis Van Gaal at Eredivisie games on several occasions, the man expected to be named the next Manchester United boss. Rafael (hamstring) remains out for the visit of Sunderland and could well miss the rest of the season.
Under David Moyes, Gus Poyet could have had an air of confidence about turning up at Old Trafford. Ryan Giggs commands respect of the players like Moyes didn’t and as a result will turn Old Trafford back into the fortress that it was under Sir Alex Ferguson, tiding The Red Devils over until whoever the next permanent manager is joins over the summer. As a result of the new management in the dugout, Poyet might be reluctant to expect mercy or a result from their visit to Manchester United.
