Manchester United vs Sunderland – Statistical Preview

Manchester United will be confident ahead of their clash with struggling Sunderland following their 4-0 thrashing of Norwich.  The clash with the Black Cats this weekend will be Ryan Giggs’ second game in charge.  Fans will be hoping that the Welsh Wizard’s magic touch can inspire their side to an unbeaten run-in to the end of the season. 

 Wayne Rooney added a brace to his Premier League season total last weekend, bringing the tally to 17 in 29 appearances.  The England forward, who had four shots from a possible five on target; opened the scoring from the penalty spot before doubling his sides lead with a superb curling effort. In addition, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made seven attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, crosses and dribbles).

 Juan Mata demonstrated his footballing prowess to temporary manager Ryan Giggs last weekend, coming off the bench to score two goals; guaranteeing Giggs a comfortable first home win.  The Spaniard has found the back of the net five times for United and looks to be a promising prospect for next season when the Red Devils attempt to bounce back from this season’s hurt.

 United skipper Nemanja Vidic was as effective as ever in defence last weekend.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Serbian, who is set to leave United in the summer, made a staggering 26 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks), including an impressive 19 clearances.

 Sunderland’s 4-0 thrashing of fellow strugglers Cardiff last weekend may well have been the miracle boss Gus Poyet said was needed to keep the Black Cats in the Premier League.  Sunderland are currently out of the drop zone on goal difference with 32 points, the same as Norwich.  With a game in hand on those below them, Sunderland fans will be hoping that their team can make every game count as the Premier League comes to a close.

 Connor Wickham looks to be Sunderland’s saviour this season, scoring twice in what may just have been the game that decided the Black Cat’s fate.  Wickham has scored five times in just 12 appearances in the  Premier League this season and has a shot accuracy of 69%. Sunderland boss Gus Poyet will be hoping the Englishman continues to show such impressive form against United. 

 Fabio Borini once again found himself on the score sheet this week, bringing his season total to five after scoring from the penalty spot.  The Italian had two shots from a possible four on target against relegation threatened Cardiff.  Sunderland fans will be hoping that he makes it three goals in three matches when the Black Cats attempt to ruin Giggs’ second game in charge of Manchester United.

 Sunderland need to come away with at least a draw against Old Trafford this weekend if they are to build on the excellent result against Cardiff.  Phil Bardsley will be invaluable to the Black Cats hopes in the face of Rooney, Welbeck and Mata.  The Scot has won 57 tackles from a possible 69 in the Premier League this season, that’s a success rate of 83% which is the highest at the club.