Senne Lammens had to work hard to preserve Manchester United's clean sheet in a goalless draw at Sunderland. The United goalkeeper made several crucial saves as the visitors struggled without the injured Benjamin Sesko.
Carrick's Side Fails to Impress
If Michael Carrick goes on to secure the Manchester United job on a permanent basis as expected, he is unlikely to spend too much time watching the highlight reel of this forgettable encounter. From the high of downing arch-rivals Liverpool at a raucous Old Trafford to secure Champions League qualification, United were generally second best to a vibrant Sunderland side on a chilly, damp afternoon on Wearside.
The visitors, showing five changes and without the in-form Casemiro and Sesko, could have easily buckled under intense pressure. Brian Brobbey caused United's backline plenty of problems throughout. Only the woodwork and some fine goalkeeping from Lammens denied the hosts victory as United held firm.
"It was a tough game, but credit to Sunderland," said Carrick, who took umbrage at a suggestion his players looked like they were on the beach. "I get offended if people are accusing us of that because if we weren't motivated and in a good headspace then we lose that game today. We had to dig deep at times and weren't at our best, but actually to take something from a game in which we weren't at our best is a good trait that we're trying to build."
Zirkzee Struggles in Sesko's Absence
United struggled to pose much of an attacking threat. Joshua Zirkzee, deputising for Sesko up front and linked with a summer exit from Old Trafford, made little impact and was withdrawn in the 65th minute. Carrick defended the striker on his first start since December, saying: "There were certain times when Josh linked up play really well and other times when we probably left him a bit isolated. I understand it's not always easy for anyone when you haven't played much to come into a game, but I'm not judging any individual on just one performance today."
Sunderland's Dominance Goes Unrewarded
Noah Sadiki spurned Sunderland's best chance when he burst clear early on, only for Lammens to deny him. Former Sunderland loanee Amad Diallo handled in the home box during the first half, but the video assistant referee backed the on-pitch decision to wave play on. Lammens then bravely saved at the feet of Brobbey, who was a constant threat and forced another save after the break.
Brobbey turned provider to tee up Lutsharel Geertruida late on, but his effort from the edge of the area thudded against the foot of a post as United survived. The visitors might have pilfered the points late on, but Matheus Cunha's injury-time effort was saved by Robin Roefs.
Key Facts from the Match
- This was the 27th goalless draw in the Premier League this season, as many as in the two previous campaigns combined (11 in 2023-24, 16 in 2024-25).
- Only against Everton in November and Newcastle in March (both 17) have Sunderland attempted more shots in a Premier League match this season than their 15 against Manchester United.
- The four saves by Lammens is his joint-most in a Premier League match in which he's kept a clean sheet, along with against Everton in February.
- Manchester United's only shot on target came in second half stoppage time, courtesy of Matheus Cunha.
Sunderland's Progress Evident
That Sunderland were frustrated not to have come away with all three points said much for their progress this season. Head coach Regis Le Bris said: "Yes, we are a bit disappointed not to win. That was the mood in the dressing room, probably in the stands as well, which is a good sign. We created probably enough chances at least to score and I think we defended it well."
Sunderland have registered an impressive 11 clean sheets this season and they hardly gave Carrick's team a sniff. Le Bris added: "Yes, we conceded one shot on target just at the end against a strong squad with many good players and gamechangers. So, overall, the game was positive because it's always a balance, the way you defend and you work hard as a team to control different players and patterns. At the same time, you want to control the game, so taking risks under pressure sometimes to create chances. In our last game at home it was not a good balance but I think today it was. We were just not clinical enough in the final third."
