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Sunderland released a short statement on the official website this afternoon confirming that Interim Head Coach Kevin Ball, who has been in charge for the League Cup win over Peterborough and the Premier League loss to Liverpool, would remain in charge when Manchester United come to the Stadium of Light at the weekend.
Ball has largely impressed so far, with his side dispatching Peterborough 2-0 with a minimum of fuss last Tuesday, before at least turning in an improved performance against Liverpool as they lost on Sunday. Sunderland confirming that he will at least have another week in charge of the first team could be seen as a sign that the team's performances under the ex-Sunderland midfielder have impressed the board sufficiently enough to give him a chance to properly state his case to get the job full-time.
However, this also gives the board the chance to properly evaluate their other remaining options for the full time post. Gus Poyet remains the front runner, but Sunderland are keen to do their due diligence and find out the root of the Uruguayan's contentious sacking from Brighton earlier in the year. Rene Muelensteen, former first team coach at Manchester United, is also believed to be someone who the club are considering for the post.