Michael Carrick is adamant there will be no let-up from his Manchester United players even though Champions League qualification is now secured.
Carrick has done a remarkable job as interim boss following the departure of Ruben Amorim in January, masterminding a run of 10 wins in 14 games to help United surge through the pack and into third place.
They will return to Europe’s top table next season, although there is no guarantee Carrick will be there to see it with his contract due to expire in the summer and no word yet on what the club’s hierarchy intend to do.
Whatever happens, the former England midfielder insists there is still plenty to play for this season, starting on Saturday at Sunderland.
“Pride, responsibility, playing for this great club, great supporters, really good togetherness within the group,” he said. “It’s about improving and evolving all the time as well.
“As I’ve said, over the last week or so, in terms of the Champions League, it’s a step, a really good step, that’s not the end at all. We want to keep improving and we want to finish strong.
“There is a feeling of games to go and it does get right to the end of it. Maybe, it will change slightly, but in terms of us preparing for the game, wanting to do well and win the game [it doesn’t change].”
As a boyhood Newcastle fan, Carrick will want to get one over on Sunderland, and also gain an element of revenge for the stick he and his team-mates received when United failed to win the title at the Stadium of Light in 2012 with Sergio Aguero’s last-gasp strike handing it to Manchester City.
“I can remember that,” he said. “I’ve not forgot it. It was a one-off kind of feeling, it wasn’t until after the game we knew where the land was lying.
“It wasn’t until we walked towards the edge of the pitch we had to deal with what was thrown at us. It is in the past, but it sticks in the memory.”
Sunderland have more to play for than United with Regis Le Bris’ side still in with an outside chance of qualifying for Europe next season.
Last Saturday’s frustrating 1-1 draw at Wolves did not help their cause, especially coming on the back of a dismal 5-0 home hammering by Nottingham Forest.
“At the minute, it is really important to stay humble,” said Le Bris. “I don’t know if we started to dream after a good period but as soon as you drop your level by 10%, the league is so demanding that you cannot stay alive in a game and the last game at home was really tough.
“[It was an] Important reminder about being focused on daily standards. Don’t look too far because you will lose the main foundations, the main platform that gives you the opportunity to be competitive.
“We want to stay focused, the standards were high in the week. Now we have a strong opponent and try your best because it will be demanding.”
Dan Ballard was dismissed at Molineux for pulling the hair of Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Le Bris confirmed Sunderland had failed to have the decision overturned.
Le Bris said: “Yes, we are [disappointed]. The situation was a bit unclear. The Premier League is built around physicality, intensity and I do think that Ballard tried to grab the shirt in the duel. Unfortunately long hair got caught and it wasn’t intentional. The law is the law so I understand the referee but at the same time I think the rule is a bit unclear.”
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Team news for Sunderland v Manchester United
Ballard misses out through suspension and Sunderland winger Romaine Rundle is injured.
Benjamin Sesko is a doubt for United after sustaining a shin injury that prompted his withdrawal at half-time against Liverpool. Lisandro Martinez returns from suspension but Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined.
Amad Diallo could return against a club with whom he enjoyed a successful loan spell during the 2022/23 campaign.
Predicted line-ups for Sunderland v Manchester United
Sunderland: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee; Rigg, Talbi, Brobbey
Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Amad; Cunha
Where to watch Sunderland v Manchester United: TV and online streams
Sunderland versus Manchester United kicks-off at 3pm on Saturday afternoon. It is not available on TV or via a stream in the UK due to blackout regulations.
If you’re watching from outside the UK, click HERE for details of the channels showing the game in your region.
Stats for Sunderland v Manchester United
- Sunderland have won just three of 33 Premier League meetings with Manchester United
- Manchester United have claimed 32 points since Michael Carrick took charge in January, more than any other Premier League side
- Manchester United have scored in their last 23 Premier League games
Prediction for Sunderland v Manchester United
As Sunderland found out against Forest, a drop in intensity, no matter how small, can have consequences.
And with United now having little to play for, it could give Sunderland the chance to spring a surprise.
The Stadium of Light will be bouncing and we fancy the Wearsiders to edge it.
Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Manchester United
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