Senne Lammens delivered a commanding performance to keep Manchester United’s goal intact.
Photograph: Richard Lee/SPP/Shutterstock
Senne Lammens was the hero for Manchester United as they struggled to break down a spirited Sunderland side, earning a hard-fought 0-0 draw. With key attackers missing, the Red Devils failed to replicate their midweek heroics against Liverpool.
If Michael Carrick hopes to secure the Manchester United job permanently, this forgettable outing at the Stadium of Light will not make his highlight reel. Just days after a thrilling victory over arch-rivals Liverpool at a rocking Old Trafford sealed Champions League qualification, United looked second best for much of a cold, damp afternoon on Wearside. A vibrant Sunderland team dominated large spells, forcing the visitors to dig deep.
Carrick made five changes to his lineup, resting the in-form Casemiro and the injured Benjamin Sesko. It was a disjointed display, yet United could have folded under intense pressure. Instead, the woodwork and Lammens’ sharp reflexes kept Sunderland at bay. Brian Brobbey caused constant problems for the United defense, but the home side could not find a way through.
“It was a tough game, but credit to Sunderland,” said Carrick. “I get offended if people accuse us of being complacent. If we weren’t motivated and in the right mindset, we would have lost today. We had to dig deep and weren’t at our best, but taking something from a game when you’re not at your peak is a good trait we’re building.”
He added: “Yes, there were changes and we tried to find our rhythm, which was understandable. But I liked a lot of what we did to lay a foundation. I’ll take a point and a clean sheet.”
United struggled to create clear chances. Joshua Zirkzee, deputizing for the injured Sesko, made little impact and was substituted in the 65th minute. The striker, linked with a summer exit, has not started since December.
Carrick defended Zirkzee: “There were times when Josh linked up play well, but at other moments we left him isolated. It’s never easy for anyone coming in after a long spell without game time. I won’t judge an individual on one performance.”
Joshua Zirkzee failed to make an impact in place of the injured Benjamin Sesko.
Photograph: Alex Livesey/Danehouse/Getty Images
Sunderland squandered their best chance when Noah Sadiki broke clear early, only for Lammens to deny him. In the first half, former Sunderland loanee Amad Diallo handled the ball in the box, but VAR official Peter Bankes upheld Stuart Attwell’s on-field decision to wave play on. Lammens then bravely saved at the feet of Brobbey, who remained a constant threat and forced another save from the goalkeeper after the break.
Brobbey turned provider for Lutsharel Geertruida late on, but his effort from the edge of the box smashed against the post as United survived. The visitors nearly snatched victory at the death, but Matheus Cunha’s injury-time shot was saved by Robin Roefs.
**Key Facts from Sunderland 0-0 Manchester United**
– This was the 27th goalless draw in the Premier League this season, matching the total from the previous two 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 United.
– Senne Lammens made four saves to keep his clean sheet, his joint-most in a Premier League match this season alongside the fixture against Everton in February.
– Manchester United managed just one shot on target, which came in the second half.