Sunderland head Regis Le Bris has issued a warning to his players regarding Manchester United, as the two sides prepare to lock horns on Saturday.
United looking to bounce back
United have endured a tough start to the 2025/26 season, losing half of their fixtures this term. Heading into the meeting with Sunderland, the Red Devils are sitting in 14th place in the table, having gained a mere seven points from six games.
Pressure is on Ruben Amorim to mastermind an uptick in performances and results even as uncertainty over his future rumbles on.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the football leadership group are believed to still be backing Amorim but a loss against newly-promoted Sunderland, who have enjoyed a fairytale return to the Premier League, would surely test that faith.
The Sunderland clash comes just before the October international break, making it a dangerous moment for Amorim to suffer a defeat. A win, however, would ease the pressure and give the Portuguese coach some much-needed breathing space.
Given their superb form, Sunderland will rightly feel that they have a very good chance of causing a massive upset at Old Trafford, but Le Bris has warned his squad against complacency, pointing out that United still have the players and the capability to hurt them.
Le Bris warns his players about United
The Frenchman said [as quoted by The Northern Echo], “Being at Old Trafford demands strong personality and strong character. I still believe that we’ll need to upgrade our performance to be competitive in Manchester.”
“I’ve been once [to Old Trafford] as a spectator with my son. I need to say that he is a huge fan of Manchester United. He will probably support Sunderland on Saturday. He is sat in the Sunderland end!”
“They are strong, create many chances from everywhere, direct play in behind, set pieces, with talented players. Now it’s just a question of click, confidence, circumstances, scenario. For us, the only thing we can control is our way of playing, the way we want to play this game, to face this challenge, being aware that it will be tough.”
Asked about United’s woes, Le Bris answered, “I don’t know exactly because my focus is only on us. And every weekend, obviously we’ll analyse our opponent and it’s just a short focus and we try to find the right way to manage their strengths, how they can create danger and we try to find a solution to get opportunities and to win the game.”
“After that, I don’t have a specific opinion about the club. It’s a huge club with a big history. They are strong players, so hard to beat.”
Le Bris however admitted that the Black Cats are in a very strong position to deepen United’s problems and pile further misery on Amorim and his stars.
Having just returned to training following his absence against Brentford, Amad is in line to meet Sunderland, the side where he made his name during a memorable loan stint.
According to Le Bris, Amad remains a popular figure at Sunderland but during the game, he will not be afforded any friendly treatment.
United vs. Sunderland kicks off at 3pm.
Featured image Cameron Smith via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
