Antony Martial
What a waste of money? Not at all, this kid looks the real deal and at the age of just 19 he will only get better and better as he develops into the English game more. Will he be fearful of facing Sunderland’s defence? Of course he won’t especially when he sees the statistic that Sunderland have conceded 17 first half goals in only eight games this season, he may be looking to add to his already impressive record of four goals in as many games!
Martial, will be a handful for most defences this season but with his trickery, pace and eye for goal both John O’Shea and Younes Kaboul will hope to have the game of their lives to contain this French superstar.
If we can manage to keep it tight in the first half we can aim for a draw but if Martial is given space then it may turn out to be yet another long Saturday afternoon for the club and supporters making the journey to Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney
So not only have we got to keep Martial quiet we also have to deal with England’s all-time top goalscorer and club captain Wayne Rooney. Rooney has been relatively quiet this season and missed a few recent games with a hamstring injury, but he will be looking at getting back on the score-sheet against Sunderland this weekend.
Rooney, who remembers fondly when the Sunderland supporters celebrated when Manchester City won the league in the dying moments of the game against QPR, will be playing deep to help assist Martial but he will also be dangerous on the counter attack. Sunderland will need M’Villa and possibly Lee Cattermole to do their jobs for the full 90minutes to help break up the play and stop Rooney from creating any clear cut chances.
David De Gea
So the Spanish stopper has signed a new contract at Old Trafford and all is forgiven, it is easy to forgive someone when they are such an important part of a club who need some stability. David Ge Gea is playing as though he has never been away or contemplating a big money move to Real Madrid with some fine saves in his last few games.
Chris Smalling is also having a strong start to the season and with De Gea behind him it looks as though United will have a strong season.
It will be interesting to see if Sunderland can test the goalkeeper and make his day a difficult one but with our recent form this may be wishful thinking.
Fabio Borini
With news emerging from today’s press conference with Dick Advocaat, it looks likely that Jermain Defoe will miss the trip to Old Trafford with a hamstring niggle, which will create another chance for Fabio Borini up front.
Borini will be disappointed his goal against Manchester City on Tuesday was ruled out by the referee, but he will be looking forward to leading the line for the first time in the league. Sunderland looked good going forward on Tuesday and played better in the second half and they will be hoping for a bright start and chances to fall at the Italian’s feet so he can test David De Gea and get his goal scoring record off to a good start as a striker.
If Borini can be supported by Lens, Toivonen and Johnson he has every chance of grabbing a goal tomorrow and with his enthusiasm and passion he will do everything possible to shake up theUnited back four.
