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Michael Carrick has done everything within his power. The decision now rests with Manchester United as they determine which managerial direction to pursue following their return to the Champions League.
Last week's 3–2 triumph against Liverpool not only secured a first Premier League double over their fiercest rivals in ten years, but it also confirmed United's comeback to elite European football. They'll be competing among the continent's finest clubs next season, and Carrick will be eager to maintain their positive momentum through the remaining fixtures of 2025–26.
A visit to the Stadium of Light awaits this Saturday, with United expected to head into the match with a remarkably clean injury record. The visitors could, in fact, be at full strength for the weekend encounter.
Lisandro Martínez Back From Suspension
While Ayden Heaven has performed admirably in Lisandro Martínez's absence, the Argentine defender is set to reclaim his spot in Carrick's starting lineup after completing a three-match ban. Martínez was suspended for an almost imperceptible hair pull on Dominic Calvert-Lewin last month.
Injury concerns are minimal, though Benjamin Šeško was only able to last 45 minutes in last week's victory over Liverpool. After the match, Carrick revealed the Slovenian had been dealing with a shin complaint.
"He's been carrying a shin problem for some time, he got pushed and caught the bit that's been causing him some problems," the Man Utd manager explained. However, there was no indication that the in-form forward would be sidelined for any significant period.
One confirmed absentee is Matthijs de Ligt, who has been sidelined since November with a back problem. He is unlikely to feature again this season and may even face a battle to be fit for the World Cup.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland
GK: Senne Lammens—The typically composed Belgian made his first notable error in a United shirt last weekend. He'll be looking to get back to his reliable best on Wearside.
RB: Diogo Dalot—Now a dependable presence in Carrick's backline, Dalot provides a valuable attacking option for the Red Devils while continuing to hold firm defensively in recent weeks.
CB: Harry Maguire—A consistent figure at the heart of defence, either side of his red card ban, Maguire is staking his claim for a starting berth in Thomas Tuchel's England squad this summer.
CB: Lisandro Martínez—It may feel tough on Heaven, but Martínez had been outstanding for Carrick before his contentious dismissal against Leeds and the ban that followed.
LB: Luke Shaw—Shaw has beaten the odds by starting every Premier League fixture for United this season. He'll keep his place this week after shaking off a knock to play against Liverpool.
CM: Casemiro—The goal-hungry Brazilian is keen for Carrick to remain beyond his summer exit, and he'll be motivated to finish strongly in what has been an outstanding final campaign in Manchester.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo—Last week's match-winner is both the present and future of United's midfield, and it will be fascinating to see who the club identify to partner Mainoo after his veteran colleague departs this summer.
RW: Bryan Mbeumo—Mbeumo has been short on goal contributions recently, but Amad's impressive cameo in the second half last week means his position on the right flank remains secure. The Cameroonian has looked more dangerous when deployed as a centre-forward.
AM: Bruno Fernandes—United's creative heartbeat has three matches left to break the long-standing single-season Premier League assist record. He requires just two more to surpass the tallies of Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
LW: Matheus Cunha—Cunha made his return from injury and got United off the mark in the win over Liverpool, and he'll be expected to keep his starting berth in the left channel come Saturday.
ST: Benjamin Šeško—United's Slovenian frontman has flourished impressively in his debut season, netting regularly in the closing stages of the campaign. Provided his shin issue proves minor, Carrick will have his relentless forward causing havoc for Sunderland's backline.