After scoring 21 goals in their first five Premier League fixtures Manchester United have managed only six in the last five and lost the fluency that made them so irresistible in the opening weeks of the season. Even so, it would constitute a major surprise if Sunderland, with only one victory against United in 20 attempts, were to do anything to deny Sir Alex Ferguson a satisfying 25th anniversary. Steve Bruce, returning to his former club, has assembled a squad with a heavy United influence but one of the old boys, John O'Shea, misses out because of injury. Daniel Taylor

Venue Old Trafford , tomorrow 3pm

Tickets Sold out

Last season Man Utd 2 Sunderland 0

Referee L Mason

This season's matches 6 Y23, R0, 3.83 cards per game

Odds Man Utd 2-9 Sunderland 5-1 Draw 14-1

Manchester United

Subs from Lindegaard, Amos, Fryer, Ferdinand, F da Silva, Macheda, Diouf, Berbatov, Welbeck, Valencia, Gibson

Doubtful Carrick (back)

Injured Rafael (shoulder, 19 Nov), Cleverley (ankle, 19 Nov), Young (toe, 19 Nov), Giggs (hamstring, 19 Nov), Smalling (foot, Dec), Owen (thigh, Dec), Anderson (unspecified)

Suspended None

Form guide WLDWDW

Disciplinary record Y15 R1

Leading scorer Rooney 9

Sunderland

Subs from Carson, Laing, Elmohamady, Gardner, Meyler, Cattermole, Ji, McClean, Cook

Doubtful Vaughan (groin)

Injured O'Shea (hamstring, 19 Nov), Campbell (knee, Dec), Mignolet (nose/fractured eye socket, Jan), Gordon (knee, Feb)

Suspended Bramble (indefinite club ban)

Form guide DWLDLW

Disciplinary record Y20 R1

Leading scorer Larsson 3

Match pointers

• Sunderland have failed to score in seven of their last nine Premier League games against Manchester United

• United have allowed more shots from open play (115) than any other top-flight team this term; David de Gea making the most saves (69)

• Sebastian Larsson has scored 40% of the direct free-kicks converted in the top flight this season (two of five)

• United have scored in all of their past 35 home league games

• Stéphane Sessègnon has either scored or assisted in his side's last four games