Manchester United and Sunderland played out a frustrating and lifeless 0-0 draw in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light today.
United head coach Michael Carrick decided to make five changes to the side that produced a thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool last weekend.
Sunderland were comfortably the stronger side for large parts of the contest and repeatedly came close to finding the breakthrough.
However, Senne Lammens once again came to United’s rescue with a series of crucial saves to keep the hosts at bay.
The Black Cats even rattled the crossbar during a dominant spell but could not find the decisive goal their performance deserved.
The result will not significantly damage United given that their return to the UEFA Champions League has already been secured.
However, flat and uninspiring displays like this could still raise fresh doubts within INEOS over whether Carrick is truly the right long-term appointment.
Player Ratings
Senne Lammens – 8/10
The Belgian goalkeeper once again proved why he is becoming indispensable at Old Trafford.
He produced a massive one-vs-one save to deny Noah Sadiki before pulling off an even more impressive stop to frustrate Brian Brobbey.
Noussair Mazraoui – 4/10
Mazraoui looked visibly rusty throughout the contest and failed to provide his usual composure both in possession and defensively.
Harry Maguire – 6/10
The United defender was involved in a relentless physical battle with Brobbey, winning some key duels while also coming out second-best on several occasions.
Lisandro Martinez – 5/10
Sunderland deliberately targeted Martinez physically and the Argentine struggled to cope with the intensity of the duels. His performance did little to justify Carrick’s decision to drop Ayden Heaven.
Luke Shaw – 6/10
Shaw delivered another dependable display.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6/10
Mainoo was handed huge defensive responsibility in midfield and frequently found himself overwhelmed as Sunderland overloaded central areas.
Mason Mount – 5/10
Frustrating outing for former Chelsea star who played as a number eight due to injuries to Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
Bruno Fernandes – 6/10
United lacked creativity for large parts of the game and Fernandes endured an unusually quiet afternoon by his high standards.
Amad Diallo – 4/10
Diallo wasted a huge attacking opportunity after ignoring runs from Cunha and Zirkzee before playing a dreadful pass that killed the move entirely.
It was another disappointing display despite Carrick’s strong public backing.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4/10
Zirkzee endured a difficult evening from start to finish.
He headed a good chance over the bar, squandered a dangerous 4v3 counter-attack by failing to play a simple cut-back pass and struggled badly with his hold-up play.
Matheus Cunha – 5/10
The Brazilian produced a dangerous cross for Zirkzee in the first half, but his decision-making let him down late on when he passed instead of taking responsibility with a shot in stoppage time.
Substitutions
Patrick Dorgu – 6/10
Created a late chance for Cunha.
Bryan Mbeumo – 5/10
Made no impact.
