Premier League preview: Manchester United v Sunderland

Manchester United host Sunderland on Saturday, hoping to keep the pressure on English Premier League table toppers and rivals Manchester City.

Since succumbing to a 6-1 belting at the hands of City on October 23, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have recorded three straight wins in all competitions.

Striker Wayne Rooney was pushed into an unfamiliar midfield role in their 2-0 win over Romanian outfit Otelul Galati in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Whether Ferguson persists with his goalscorer in the role at Old Trafford remains to be seen, even against a team United have had no trouble disposing of in the recent past.

Rooney, who has already netted nine times in the league, could resume up front if midfielder Tom Cleverley is fit to return from an ankle injury.

Winger Ashley Young (toe) and fullback Chris Smalling (foot) will both miss with Darren Fletcher possibly partnering Cleverley in the middle.

They will be favourites to get three points against Steve Bruce’s side, who have struggled to get anything out of meetings against teams in the top half of the table.

They have lost to both Arsenal and Chelsea, while also tasting defeat at the hands of third-placed Newcastle and Norwich City, who sit eighth.

Sunderland did manage to record draws against Aston Villa, Swansea City and Liverpool – all teams who sit in the top 10.

Since Bruce felt the pressure of their slow start to the season, Sunderland have taken four points from their last two outings.

He has a near full strength squad to choose from, but goalkeeper Steve Mignolet has been ruled out for up to two months after fracturing his nose and eye socket in an aerial challenge in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.

Keiren Westwood will be called to step in, and Bruce believes the Irishman is ready for his first Premier League start.

Of their past 18 meetings, United have won 13 and five have ended in draws.