Man Utd vs Sunderland - Roy Keane Homecoming
September 1st, 2007 at 10:10 am , filed under Match Preview.Roy Keane will make his first homecoming in the opposite dugout of Old Trafford with Sunderland. Keane will become the fourth player to play under Ferguson and become a manger of the opposite site themselves since Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson and Mark Hughes.
As Ferguson looks forward to welcoming back the former club captain marvel, he has mixed emotions the veteran boss is still coming to terms with Solksjaer early’s retirement last week. Both players have carved their name in United’s folklore and earned Ferguson’s respect in the process.
United fans may see Brazilian midfielder Anderson for the first time, while Louis Saha is tipped for a spot on the bench. However, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are still out, as is skipper Gary Neville. Owen Hargreaves is already showing signs that he’ll flourish in the Reds’ midfield, he is getting sharper and fitter during his last few games.
Sunderland will be without Dean Whitehead and Carlos Edwards, while Kieran Richardson is also a doubt. New signing Andrew Cole isn’t match-fit yet but defender Paul McShane should start, despite not featuring in the Black Cats’ midweek Carling Cup tie. Sunderland goalkeeper and record signing Craig Gordon will need to continue his recent good form if the visitors are to cause an Old Trafford upset.
United probable line up: Van der Sar (G), Wes Brown (D), Nemanja Vidic (D), Rio Ferdinand (D), Patrice Evra (D), Michael Carrick (M) Owen Hargreaves (M), Paul Scholes (M), Ryan Giggs (M), Luis Nani (M) , Carlos Tevez (S).
Venue: Old Trafford, 17.15 UK
Predict Score: Man Utd 2 - Sunderland 0