Manchester United head into what is another must-win game for Ruben Amorim when they host Sunderland this weekend.
A dismal 3-1 defeat at Brentford on Saturday piled more pressure on the Portuguese coach who has still not managed to win consecutive games having collected 34 points from his 33 games in charge.
His job appears safe for now but in United’s final match before October’s international break, another defeat could prove disastrous.
The fact United have a relatively clean bill of health means there can be no excuses. Noussair Mazraoui will not be available again until after the international break after picking up a thigh injury while Lisandro Martinez is still working his way back from a long-term knee injury.
Amad Diallo missed the trip to Brentford due to a family bereavement but was back training with his teammates on Wednesday, suggesting he will be available for selection this weekend.
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Tyrell Malacia is also back among the group after his summer exile.
The Dutchman is the last man standing after United’s ‘bomb squad’ was cleared out in the summer but Malacia has impressed staff with his attitude and intensity and has been reintegrated back into the squad.
Casemiro will be expected to return after serving his one-match suspension in west London with Manuel Ugarte doing little to justify keeping his place in the side last weekend.
Kobbie Mainoo’s wait for a Premier League start this season will surely go on unless Bruno Fernandes moves further upfield or Amorim does the unthinkable and drops his captain.
In goal, United fans will be desperate to get a proper look at Senne Lammens.
Since his arrival on deadline day, the Belgian has been kept out of the firing line but another unconvincing performance from Altay Bayindir will heighten calls for him to be brought into the side.
A home game against a newly promoted side feels like the right time to roll the dice.
Man Utd XI to face Sunderland – Metro prediction
If Amorim can’t trust Lammens in goal this weekend, when can he? There are simply no games that would allow him to be eased in – a home fixture at least gives him the benefit of a welcoming atmosphere.
Elsewhere, Amad could come back in for Diogo Dalot on the right while Benjamin Sesko will be desperate to get off the mark at home after his maiden goal against Brentford.
Man Utd vs Sunderland TV channel and kick-off time
Man Utd vs Sunderland kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 4 October.
Given it’s kick-off slot, the match will not be televised live in the UK.
But you can follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.