Sunderland 0-0 Manchester United: Michael Carrick’s side failed to get involved in attack and goalkeeper Senne Lamence was credited with securing the point at the Stadium of Light.
Senne Lamence was Manchester United’s best player (Image: Getty Images)
A lackluster Manchester United side held out a goalless draw with Sunderland in a game that lacked quality. Last weekend United won Champions League football against Liverpool, but the enthusiasm was nowhere to be seen and it was on display at the Stadium of Light.
The only star for the visitors was Senne Ramens, who only had his first shot on target in stoppage time. United’s goalkeeper thwarted Noah Sadiki’s one-on-one, but the superior Sunderland denied further chances and took the lead. The first half ended scoreless, with Joshua Zirkzee and Koby Mainu scoring United’s best opener.
Brian Brobbey was denied by Lamence after being played on goal in the second half. Sunderland then continued to create chances, with Lutcharel Guiatruida hitting the base of the post after a one-two on the edge of the box.
United could barely connect a pass, let alone threaten Robin Roofs’ goal in the final third, until the game came alive in the closing stages. Matheus Cunha played a bizarre pass when introduced in stoppage time before hitting the Sunderland keeper with the best chance of the game and was booked for diving.
Here are the talking points from the disappointing scene on Wearside:
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1. There is no ramen on the beach
The game may have foreshadowed the end of the season for United, who have qualified for the Champions League and, on paper at least, have little room left to play for. But even if this were true, no one told Senne Ramens.
The goalkeeper made a brilliant save to deny Sadiki a one-on-one, stretching his body wide before reading the shot. And a few minutes later he dove just as sharply at the feet of Brian Brobbey. The Belgian has been a modest success story for United this season, restoring calm and reason at the back after Andre Onana’s chaotic presence.
Senne Ramens made a big save early on (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
2. Handball? no one really knows
The rules of handball are currently very confusing, with different interpretations between UEFA and FA competitions, and no one really knows what is and isn’t a penalty.
Early in the game at the Stadium of Light, Enzo Le Fe’s shot left Amad Diallo’s body and landed in the hands of a bystander. Sunderland appealed, the referee said no and VAR agreed with Sunderland, but the experts’ reaction showed where we are now.
Martin Keown said of the final score: “If that’s what happened in the Champions League, it’s a penalty. If you hit the defender twice, move your arm away.” Paul Merson disagreed, saying on Soccer Saturday: “This wasn’t a penalty in a million years.”
Manchester United survives handball penalty appeal
3. Opportunities will come…and you won’t seize them.
The absence of Casemiro and Benjamin Sesco has given an opportunity to Mason Mount and Zirkzee, who were left outside the resurgence under manager Michael Carrick. In the first half, neither side could convert their chances.
Mount, signed for £55m almost three years ago, seems desperate to prove himself and has tried to replicate Casemiro’s role by slipping into tackles, but there was little to get excited about in possession. Meanwhile, Zirksee headed his only opener in the first 45 minutes.
Instead of igniting the team, both players received yellow cards. Zirksee was replaced midway through the second half by Patrick Daugs as Carrick changed things up.
Mason Mount has had a rare start for United (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
4. Fernandes is annoyed.
That is an aspect that has been missing from United’s recent experience. The typical Fernandes groans were put to rest as United played well under Carrick and generally won. However, activity has resumed in the Tohoku region.
In the second half, United’s captain looked visibly disappointed. swing your arms around. He gave his teammates a withering look. shouted at the referee after Sunderland were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area for a foul. A hand to the face from Nilsson Angulo in the closing stages of the match avoided retroactive action by VAR, but did not improve his mood.
5. A black cat that doesn’t bite
Brian Brobbey couldn’t beat Senne Ramens (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Sunderland have had a fantastic season and Regis Le Bris deserves a lot of credit for successfully avoiding a relegation battle. But if they want to improve next season, they need to add more firepower up front.
Blobby is really annoying. He holds the ball well, rolls defenders and brings teammates into plays, but is not prolific. Sunderland have scored 37 goals in 36 league games this season, only Crystal Palace, Burnley and Wolves have scored fewer goals. That needs to be addressed in the summer transfer window.
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