Manchester United’s stirring run of victories since Michael Carrick took interim charge in January faced a reality check. After beating Liverpool to qualify for next season’s Champions League, this was a comedown. It served as a reminder of the task still facing Carrick to make United a major force again.
Sunderland’s Dominance and Lammens’ Heroics
Sunderland were the better side, particularly in the first half. Only some fine goalkeeping from Senne Lammens kept the hosts at bay on Wearside. The four saves by Senne Lammens is his joint-most in a Premier League match in which he’s kept a clean sheet, along with against Everton in February.
Sunderland threatened first in the fifth minute when Chemsdine Talbi played a delightful one-two with a teammate inside the left channel before curling a 20-yard shot wide of Lammens’ far post. Moments later, a brilliant move cut United apart but the hosts could not find the finishing touch. In the 11th minute, Lammens had to be quick off his line to deny Brian Brobbey, who broke clear after evading the attention of Lisandro Martínez. The hosts continued to probe and had a strong penalty claim turned down in the 19th minute when Enzo Le Fée’s shot appeared to hit the hand of Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo but came to not.
United’s Changes and Lack of Impact
United were without Benjamin Sesko, which opened the door for Joshua Zirkzee to start up front, but he made little impact and was replaced after just 65 minutes. Mason Mount started in midfield in the absence of Casemiro but it was a largely disappointing day for the visitors. Given that they made five changes, a lack of fluency was perhaps to be expected.
Carrick’s men created precious little. Manchester United’s only shot on target in this match came in second half stoppage time, courtesy of Matheus Cunha. Brian Brobbey caused United’s defence untold problems all afternoon and he could count himself unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet.
Carrick’s Position and United’s Progress
Carrick remains the firm favourite to land the managerial post on a permanent basis at the end of the season. The former United and England midfielder has achieved his target of Champions League qualification and has a groundswell of support inside the dressing room. The Brazil star Matheus Cunha recently compared him to Alex Ferguson, but this performance was a far cry from the vintage displays seen so often during the legendary Scot’s long tenure.
- 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 fact that United left disappointed not to have picked up an 11th win from 15 games under Carrick was indicative of their recent progress.