Sunderland v Manchester United 
It turns out that the appointment of Louis van Gaal was not enough to reverse Manchester United’s fortunes, as the miserable opening day defeat to Swansea highlighted. The eccentric Dutchman must decide whether to opt for a 3-5-2 formation – a system binned after 45 minutes at Old Trafford – or revert to a four-man defence as his side travel to Sunderland for Sunday’s clash.
United can ill-afford another meek showing. Sunderland, on the other hand, bagged a point from their opening encounter with West Brom as Sebastian Larsson struck late to secure a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns.
Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet will welcome defenders Billy Jones and Santiago Vergini back into his squad for Sunday's Premier League visit of Manchester United. Jones missed the 2-2 draw with former club West Brom last weekend because of a troublesome hamstring, while Vergini is understood to have sat out because of an administrative problem - but both will be available this weekend. That means Poyet's only significant absentee will be Italian midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini, who continues his recovery from a groin injury.
Striker Robin van Persie is fully fit and available for Manchester United's game at Sunderland. Midfielders Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera (all ankle) are out, as is utility man Jesse Lingard, who has a knee injury, but Antonio Valencia has recovered from the leg problem that kept him out of the defeat to Swansea. Defenders Jonny Evans (leg), Luke Shaw (hamstring) and Marcos Rojo (awaiting work permit) are unavailable while doubts remain over right-back Rafael (groin) and striker Danny Welbeck (knee), who has also been told he can leave the club.