Manchester United’s away form has not been anything to write about, this season. But their win against Valencia in Spain should boost them ahead of the Sunderland match.

Although Sunderland have lost their last three home games to Manchester United, they won’t be pushovers. They are currently in 11th position on the Premiership points table, and their record includes a win against Manchester City and a draw against Liverpool, both contenders for a top four spot. So the Red Devils could be in for a fight.

Darren Bent is the key man for the Black Cats, and he has followed up his tally of 24 goals last season with five in six matches this season. Sir Alex’s squad has struggled in defence, and with a striker of Bent’s calibre on the prowl, their back line will have to get their act together, if United want to bank three full points from this game.

United will welcome Rio Ferdinand’s return to fitness and he and Vidic should play as full backs while allowing Rafael to excel in his favoured right back position, as he so amply did, in the Valencia game. With Patrick Evra not up to scratch this season, Sir Alex could opt to replace him with Fabio, as left back.

And with Van der Sar in goal, this defence has enough potential to keep Bent and company at bay while joining in the attack, when required.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, a former Manchester United man, has injury worries in defence, with question marks over Kieron Richardson, Mensah and Anton Ferdinand’s participation in the game against the Red Devils. Danny Wellback, on loan from United, is not allowed to play against his parent club, according to the rules.

Asamoah Gyan is a big positive for the Black Cats, and along with Bent, they will rely on him to help beat their more fancied rivals from Old Trafford.

Sir Alex’s squad could be without some key players including Rooney. And although they are known to come to the party a bit late in the season, the Red Devils will be wary of letting Chelsea get away with an unassailable lead, early in the season.

Especially, with the possibility of Chelsea dropping a point in the Arsenal match, the Old Trafford side will want to exploit any chance to narrow the points gap with the champions.

Rooney’s absence could be the big opportunity for Chicharito to show that his goal against Valencia was not a flash in the pan.

Even allowing for Sunderland’s upsurge in the League, and United’s poor away performance, I would expect Sir Alex’s men to impose their collective will on the result of this match.