Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Manchester United vs Sunderland live: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on and where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

Mark Critchley,Charlie Doris
Saturday 24 December 2016 08:22 EST
Comments

Manchester United will look to keep up their impressive run of form when they entertain Sunderland at Old Trafford after stringing together a run of 11 matches unbeaten, with all eyes on the return of David Moyes at Old Trafford. The Sunderland manager had an ill-fated 10-month spell at United following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, and he returns to the club he managed in 2013/14 with a point to prove - as well as a relegation battle on his hands.

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Follow the live action below...

It’s a big game for…

David Moyes: Who else? The former Manchester United manager returns to Old Trafford, the scene of his greatest failure, for the first time as a manager since being dismissed by the club two-and-a-half years ago. He remains a divisive figure among United’s support and is not wholly assured of a kind welcome.

Best stat…

5-3: The highest-scoring game between these two sides came on Boxing Day in 1950, with the Black Cats taking all three points from Sir Matt Busby’s side at Old Trafford.

Remember when…

Moyes’ United were dumped out of the League Cup semi-finals on penalties by Sunderland in 2014.

Player to watch…

Paul Pogba: The world’s most-expensive footballer finally seems to be coming into his own, after impressive displays against Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.

Past three-meetings…

Sunderland 2 (Khazri, De Gea og) Manchester United 1 (Martial)
Premier League, February 2016

Manchester United 3 (Depay, Rooney, Mata) Sunderland 0
Premier League, September 2015

Manchester United 2 (Rooney 2) Sunderland 0
Premier League, February 2015

Form guide…

Manchester United: DDWWW

Sunderland: LWLLW

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 3.00pm

TV: Highlights on BBC One, 10.55pm

This time last season...A second half Yohan Cabaye penalty gave Palace a 1-0 victory over Watford to take them up to sixth in Premier League following a superb start to last season. Wilfried Zaha won the decisive penalty after a clumsy collision with Allan Nyom. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:16

These two have history...It wasn't just last year's FA Cup semi-final that Palace subjected Watford to Wembley heartache. In the 2013 Championship play-off final, the Eagles earned a 1-0 victory over the Hornets thanks to a Kevin Phillips penalty deep in extra time. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:21

STAT: Watford and Palace have suffered more Premier League defeats than any other team in the top flight during this calendar year. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:27

The team's are out at Vicarage Road with kick-off only moments away...

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:28

And we're underway at Vicarage Road...

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:30

3mins: Within minutes of the opening, Watford already have an injury to deal with. Daryl Janmaat goes down after a collision with Wilfried Zaha and Juan Camilo Zuniga is going to be the man to replace the Dutch wing-back. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:34

5mins: Zaha won the penalty to earn Palace a win at Vicarage Road last season and he almost did it again within the first few minutes here. The flying winger beat substitute Zuniga before going down under the challenge of Guedioura. However, Mark Clattenburg gives a free-kick on the edge of the area. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:37

8mins: Zaha is having a lot of the ball for Palace in the opening period. This time, the wide man beats Zuniga with ease and puts a teasing cross across the face of the box but no Palace player was there to meet it. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:39

12mins: It seems as if Watford have another injury setback and this time it's Valon Behrami. The Swiss midfielder looks like he's pulled his hamstring after a collision with Christian Benteke. Troy Deeney enters the fray as his replacement. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:44

16mins: The crowd became more energised instantly after Deeney's arrival but were quickly subdued again after Palace get in behind the Watford back four. However, on this occasion, Benteke failed to direct his close range header past Gomes. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:47

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in