Sunderland boss Le Bris confirms star man is fit to face Man Utd

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has confirmed that defender Nordi Mukiele is fit to face Manchester United on Saturday.

There had been reports that the 27-year-old was a doubt for this weekend but Le Bris has squashed those rumours.

“No, he’s okay,” the Sunderland head coach said.

The Black Cats will again be without midfielder Habib Diarra, however, who has recently undergone groin surgery.

Defender Reinildo will miss the game through suspension after being sent off against Aston Villa.

Romaine Mundle, Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde are also likely to miss out again through injury.

Sunderland go into the game against United sitting fifth in the table, while their opponents are 14th.

But Le Bris says his side will need to be at their best to get something at Old Trafford.

“Playing at Old Trafford demands strong personality and strong character so I still believe we need to upgrade our performance to be competitive in Manchester,” he said.

“They are strong to create many chances from everywhere with talented players.

“I don’t need to explain that they have qualities. Now it’s just a question of clicking, and confidence, circumstances.

“The only thing we can control is our way of playing.”