Joshua Zirkzee hounded by two Sunderland players. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United sleepwalked to a 0-0 draw at Sunderland and rather than toasting their Champions League qualification, petered to a drab draw in the north-east. Amad and Joshua Zirkzee had the best of United’s chances in either half, but they amounted to little as the hosts were unfortunate not to take all three points.
Michael Carrick made five changes from the team that beat Liverpool 3-2 last time out, but without Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko, they struggled to build up from the back and Senne Lammens could not go long to his usual target man.
Here, Express Sport takes a look at how the United players performed…
Man Utd player ratings vs Sunderland (4-3-3)
Made a smart early save to deny Noah Sadiki, who should have scored early on after being sent through on goal. By far United’s top performer as he pulled off another stunning stop in the second half, this time preventing Brian Brobbey from inside the penalty area.
One of five changes Michael Carrick made for the visit of Sunderland, but struggled up against Chemsdine Talbi, who quite often got the better of the Moroccan full-back. Could not imprint his typically exquisite passing on the game either.
Good in the air and had United’s best chance of the first half. Tidy enough and will be happy to have kept a clean sheet.
Playing for the first time in nearly a month to build up his fitness before the end of the season, with Champions League football secured for next season. His passing wasn’t its usual excellent self and quite often got bullied physically by Brobbey.
Pushing for a late inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad and had a solid, if unspectacular, performance. Perhaps slightly fortunate not to have given a late penalty away when tussling with Brobbey.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Having to operate deeper with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte absent and everything went through him. United’s heartbeat today but perhaps was tasked with doing too much.
Kobbie Mainoo conducted play from a deeper position. (Image: Getty)
Worked hard but swamped in midfield. Made a crucial block in the first half as Sunderland continued to pile pressure on. Booked following a string of fouls just before the hour mark.
The FWA Footballer of the Year spent the majority of the first half giving instructions to his team-mates, but could not live up the award he received just hours earlier.
WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football’s greatest tournament – Buy the Special Edition today
Had an early chance go close but needed to get on the ball with more regularity. Should have done better when put through on goal and squared it, but there was not another team-mate in close proximity.
Offered a rare chance to start, and potentially put himself in the shop window, but struggled to hold up play in the same manner that Sesko would and missed a free header. Hauled off after an hour for Patrick Dorgu.
Could not be found often enough, either out wide or through the middle, and his sole highlight was a smart cross that Zirkzee fluffed. Had a very late chance on the left, but refuses to shoot. Moments later, he has a shot on the penalty spot well saved. Then booked for diving in a wild few minutes.
His introduction allowed Cunha to play through the middle and he combined well with Shaw, encouraging after a lengthy absence.
A surprise it took so long to bring him on.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
