Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has provided a timely fitness update ahead of Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford, confirming that defender Nordi Mukiele is fit and available for selection.
Reports earlier in the week had suggested the 27-year-old was a doubt for the clash, but Le Bris was quick to dismiss those concerns.
“No, he’s okay,” the Black Cats boss said when asked about Mukiele’s condition. “He’s trained well and will be available.”
That news will come as a relief to Sunderland supporters, given Mukiele’s growing influence at the back. However, the squad will still be stretched in key areas. Midfielder Habib Diarra remains sidelined following groin surgery and is expected to face several more weeks of recovery.
There are also defensive concerns. Reinildo will miss the game through suspension after his red card in last weekend’s draw with Aston Villa, while Romaine Mundle, Dennis Cirkin, and Leo Hjelde are all still unavailable due to injuries. The absences mean Le Bris will have to carefully manage his squad depth against one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacks.
Sunderland head into the fixture in strong form, sitting fifth in the table after an impressive start to the season. In contrast, Manchester United have struggled to find consistency and currently lie 14th, with the pressure mounting on head coach Ruben Amorim. Despite that disparity in league position, Le Bris insists his side must raise their level if they are to get anything at Old Trafford.
“Playing at Old Trafford demands strong personality and strong character,” he explained. “I still believe we need to upgrade our performance to be competitive in Manchester. They are strong to create many chances from everywhere with talented players. I don’t need to explain that they have qualities. Now it’s just a question of clicking, and confidence, circumstances. The only thing we can control is our way of playing.”
Le Bris has instilled a fearless, possession-driven style at Sunderland since taking charge, but Saturday will be a stern test of that philosophy. United, despite their inconsistencies, remain stacked with attacking talent and will be desperate to bounce back in front of their home crowd.
Sunderland will have to keep their cool, practice discipline off the ball, and try to take advantage of United’s weaknesses when they counterattack.
