Man Utd vs Sunderland: Why isn’t Premier League match on TV?

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Manchester United are set for a challenging encounter as they prepare to face Sunderland . Currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table, the Red Devils have managed only two victories from their opening six matches of the season.

With manager Ruben Amorim feeling the heat , the upcoming clash with the Black Cats could prove crucial for his future. Fresh off the back of a 3-1 loss to Brentford last week, Amorim will be banking on his squad's ability to bounce back and secure a win.

However, they're up against a formidable Sunderland side, led by Regis Le Bris, who are currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten streak. The newly-promoted team have already notched up three wins, two draws and just one loss this season, letting in only four goals. Only Arsenal and Crystal Palace can claim a better defensive record.

Despite the match shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, UK fans will unfortunately miss out on live coverage as it won't be televised. We have all the details you need ahead of the match, including timings and how to catch the action if you're overseas.

Manchester United are set to welcome Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 4, with the match against the Black Cats due to kick off at the traditional time of 3pm, reports the Manchester Evening News .

It's the first time the two teams will lock horns since April 2017 when United clinched a 3-0 victory over them at the Stadium of Light. That season marked the end of Sunderland's decade-long stint in the Premier League as they ended up in the 20th spot and suffered relegation.

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The Old Trafford showdown won't be aired live by either Sky Sports or TNT Sports, due to the 3pm blackout that top-tier clubs must abide by.

While fans based in the UK are left out in the cold for 3pm kick-offs, the blackout rule doesn't apply to supporters worldwide. For instance, Peacock will broadcast the match live in the United States.

For those in the UK itching to get a glimpse of the action, they'll have to hold their horses until after the final whistle, when they can catch highlights of the game on Sky Sports. The highlights, lasting roughly three minutes, will be shared on their sports app and social media channel, as well as on YouTube .

If there's a craving for extended highlights, Match of the Day is scheduled from 10:30pm on BBC One on Saturday night. The programme can also be viewed on iPlayer from 8pm on Saturday.

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Amorim will be heartened by the comebacks of Casemiro and Amad Diallo, both of whom sat out last week's 3-1 loss to Brentford. The Brazilian was missing after receiving a red card against Chelsea , while the Ivorian missed the game due to family commitments.

Diallo has made a return to training on Wednesday and is now in the running to play against his former team, for whom he netted 14 goals in 42 appearances during the 2022/23 season. Lisandro Martinez remains the only long-term injury concern for United as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.

However, Noussair Mazraoui will be out of action until after the international break due to a thigh injury. Tyrell Malacia, who was part of United's infamous 'bomb squad' this summer, has been welcomed back into first-team activities by Amorim.

Meanwhile, for Sunderland, Reinildo is still sidelined as he serves a three-match suspension following a straight red card against Aston Villa last month.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.