United are at the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland tonight in the second of their Group A Checkatrade Trophy fixtures and boss John Sheridan is targeting a victory, and progression to the last 32 and the knock-out stages, from what will be a tough game.
“We want to do well in the competition and if we go there and win I think it should mean we’ll qualify,” he commented. “That’s why we’ll be going there to do it properly, albeit against a very, very good side.
“Whoever they start with, they’re playing well and picking up good results in their division. They probably feel they should be higher than third in League One, so we know this will be a tough game.”
“It’s a good stadium and it gives one or two of our players who haven’t been involved a chance of getting some pitch time,” he continued. “Some who haven’t been playing will be involved because I think it’s important to reward players for the attitude they’ve shown in training.
“All of the players have been fantastic but, like every professional, they all want to play. I’ve said a number of times that I think any of them can step in and do a job for us at any time, so this is one of those opportunities for some of those lads.
“It won’t be easy because Sunderland are a good side. I have no doubt they’ll want to win it as well, so it should be a good game to watch.”
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