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 13:22 GMT
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

Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the Boxing Day Premier League action, with eight games set to kick-off a busy festive schedule. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all feature today, while Sam Allardyce makes his Premier League return with Crystal Palace after replacing Alan Pardew on Friday night, with the Eagles taking on Watford in the opening game of the day.

With everyone still in the Christmas spirit, sit back and relax as we bring you all the goals as they go in.

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 10:37

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 11:31

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 11:32

TEAM NEWS: Watford have made two changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last weekend. Captain Troy Deeney and Juan Zuniga are omitted from the starting XI for Odion Ighalo and Daryl Janmaat as Walter Mazzarri looks to bounce back from consecutive league defeats. 

Sam Allardyce has marked his first game in the Palace dugout with two alterations to the side that lost 1-0 to league leaders, Chelsea, last weekend. In an attacking line-up, Allardyce has opted for Andros Townsend and Mathieu Flamini over regular starters James McArthur and Joe Ledley. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 11:40

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 11:41

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 11:47

STAT: Crystal Palace haven't kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since Boxing Day last year in a 0-0 draw against Bournemouth. Big Sam's introduction couldn't have come sooner. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 11:51

No Troy Deeney? Watford scored three goals against Palace in the Premier League and the FA Cup last season and they all came from their skipper. Deeney scored Watford's equaliser during their 2-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat at Wembley in May and a brace to secure a 2-1 win over the Eagles at Selhurst Park earlier last season. Massive call to leave him out of the game today. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 11:56

KEY MAN: Christian Benteke. The Belgium striker is beginning to come into his own at Palace after failing to impress during his short stay at Liverpool. After scoring six goals in his last seven away games for the Eagles, Benteke is proving to be an impressive outlet for Palace away from Selhurst Park and will be a big threat again at Vicarage Road. 

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:04

Jack de Menezes26 December 2016 12:05

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