Out-of-favour Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee made his first start since December but was replaced during the first half by wideman Patrick Dorgu as Michael Carrick’s side held on for a point at Sunderland in the Premier League.
The Black Cats dominated at the Stadium of Light, where Brian Brobbey tested United goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Lutsharel Geertruida shot against a post before Robin Roefs made a fine save from visiting forward Matheus Cunha during second-half added time.
United, who beat Liverpool at home last Sunday to ensure they will play Champions League football next season, are now almost certain to finish third, while Sunderland are likely to need wins in both of their final two games to have a chance of playing in Europe in 2026/27.
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Sunderland vs Manchester United analysis: Zirkzee ‘a passenger’
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson called Zirkzee “a passenger” as United’s three-match winning run came to an end.
“He’s offered absolutely nothing for this Manchester United side,” Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Every time they’ve got possession, they’ve looked for the out ball. They’ve looked for a frontman [but he] hasn’t really worked the channel and he’s not really covered a lot of ground.
“It tells you a lot that [Carrick’s] bringing Dorgu on to replace him.”
Robinson was far more impressed with Brobbey but urged Zirkzee’s fellow Netherlands international to be more clinical.
“Brobbey is a really good player and a nice player to watch,” said Robinson. “If he could just add more goals to his game… he’s a real old-fashioned centre-forward who doesn’t mind a battle.
“He’s been having a really good battle with [Lisandro] Martinez and [Harry] Maguire all afternoon. He’s had two really good opportunities and the second one was the best.
“It was a brilliant save but he should have scored. He works so hard for his team and runs the channels; he just needs to add more goals.”
Sunderland team vs Man United
Romaine Mundle was injured for Sunderland, who made one change by bringing in Geertruida for the suspended Dan Ballard.
Sunderland starting XI: Nick Roefs, Lutsharel Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Reinildo Mandava, Trai Hume, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Enzo Le Fee, Brian Brobbey
Sunderland substitutes: Nilson Angulo, Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin, Chris Rigg, Habib Diarra, Melker Ellborg, Wilson Isidor, Eliezer Mayenda, Djiamgone Jocelin Ta Bi
Manchester United team vs Sunderland
Striker Benjamin Sesko was out with a shin injury sustained during United’s win over Liverpool and midfielder Casemiro was not involved.
Martinez returned from suspension in place of Ayden Heaven but Matthijs de Ligt had a back injury.
Noussair Mazraoui, Zirkzee and former Sunderland loanee Amad Diallo were all newcomers to the line-up.
Manchester United starting XI: Senne Lammens, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo
Man United substitutes: Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Tyler Heaven, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Bryan Mbeumo
Sunderland vs Man United stats
- Sunderland have won three of their 34 Premier League games against Manchester United (D7 L24), with their 24 defeats against the Red Devils their most against any opponent in the competition
- They are winless in their last 29 Premier League matches against sides starting the day in the top four of the table (D10 L19), since a 2-1 victory away at Chelsea in April 2014 under Gus Poyet
- Granit Xhaka has been involved in more Premier League goals against United than any other opponent (5). All three of his goals against them have come from outside the box, with no player netting more from distance against the Red Devils
- United have lost one of their 16 visits to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland in the Premier League (W10 D4), succumbing 2-1 in February 2016
- Carrick won more points in his 14 games preceding this one than Ruben Amorim managed in his 20 games this season (31)
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