Manchester United take on Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, but the match will not be broadcast live on TV due to the 3pm blackout
Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter
12:00, 04 Oct 2025
Manchester United will need to be on top form against an impressive Sunderland side on Saturday(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Manchester United are set for a tricky encounter as they square off against Sunderland this Saturday afternoon.
Currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League table, having secured only two victories from their opening six matches, the Red Devils – who were knocked out of the EFL Cup in August by Grimsby Town – are under immense pressure. The upcoming match against the Black Cats could prove crucial for Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford.
Following a disappointing 3-1 loss to Brentford last week, Amorim will be keen for his squad to bounce back and secure a win. However, they’re up against a formidable opponent in Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland, who are currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten streak.
The newly-promoted team have had an impressive start to the season, with three wins, two draws, and just one loss, letting in only four goals. Only Arsenal and Crystal Palace can boast a better defensive record so far.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the match, UK fans will unfortunately miss out on live coverage as it won’t be televised. However, we have all the information you need to follow the action if you’re abroad.
When does the Man United vs Sunderland match kick off?
Manchester United are set to welcome Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 4, with the match scheduled to commence at 3pm, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Saturday marks the first time the teams have met since April 2017. Back then, United secured a 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. That season marked the end of Sunderland’s decade-long stint in the Premier League as they finished in 20th place and were relegated.
It’s been a stellar start back to life in the Premier League for Sunderland(Image: Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)Is Man United vs Sunderland on TV?
The Old Trafford match won’t be broadcast live by either Sky Sports or TNT Sports due to the 3pm blackout rule that top-flight clubs must follow.
While UK-based fans are unable to watch 3pm kick-offs, the blackout rule doesn’t apply to international fans. For instance, Peacock will be streaming the game live for viewers in the United States.
UK supporters keen to catch some of the action will have to wait until after the final whistle, when they can view highlights of the game on Sky Sports. The three-minute highlights will be available on their sports app, social media channel, and YouTube.
For those interested in extended highlights, Match of the Day will be aired from 10:30pm on BBC One on Saturday night. The programme can also be viewed on iPlayer from 8pm on Saturday.
Ruben Amorim’s future could be in doubt if Man United fail to earn a positive result on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)Team news ahead of Man United vs Sunderland
Amorim will be encouraged by the return of Casemiro and Amad Diallo, both of whom were absent from last week’s 3-1 loss to Brentford. The Brazilian was suspended for the match after receiving a red card against Chelsea, while the Ivorian missed the game due to family reasons.
Diallo made a return to training on Wednesday and is now poised to face his former team, for whom he netted 14 goals in 42 appearances during the 2022/23 season. Lisandro Martinez remains the only long-term absentee for United as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.
However, Noussair Mazraoui will be sidelined until after the international break due to a thigh injury. Tyrell Malacia, who was part of United’s controversially named ‘bomb squad’ this summer, has been welcomed back into first-team activities by Amorim.
On Sunderland’s side, Reinildo remains unavailable as he serves a three-match suspension following a straight red card against Aston Villa last month.