Manchester United’s performance against Sunderland was as lacklustre as we have seen all season, with one moment in particular leaving Bruno Fernandes at his wits’ end.
Saturday afternoon saw Manchester United draw 0-0 against Sunderland, a contest which saw both sides happy to take a draw with neither doing enough to deserve three points.
It was a heavily rotated team Michael Carrick started, with five changes from the side that beat Liverpool, and it showed for all the wrong reasons.
United’s changes were the worst performers, with one in particular leaving Bruno Fernandes infuriated.
Who was Manchester United’s man of the match vs Sunderland?
A first 0-0 of the season, but did anyone stand out for Michael Carrick's side?
Bruno Fernandes was frustrated with Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United performance
It was a day to forget for Manchester United, from performance to the weather, nobody will be looking back fondly at May 9th, 2026.
But it will be one that Joshua Zirkzee struggles to forget, because he was absolutely terrible on his first start since December.
Zirkzee offered absolutely nothing positive leading the line, with sluggish movement, poor passing, and his frustrating use of his 6ft 4in frame.
But one moment that was more annoying than the rest was when Zirkzee scuppered United’s biggest chance of the first half.
United broke quickly and were five on three against the Sunderland back-line, with Zirkzee on the ball on the right side of the box, he had teammates open begging to be passed to.
The Dutchman hesitated before firing the ball against the shins of the defender, failing to look up and pick out a teammate in space inside the box.
Upon seeing this, Fernandes crouched over and held his face in disbelief, shaking his head and gesturing to Zirkzee, whose face told the full story.
Then, when heading into the tunnel at half-time, Fernandes looked like he was complaining to Luke Shaw regarding that situation, with the left-back nodding in agreement.
Hooked after 65 minutes… was that the last game Joshua Zirkzee will ever start for Man Utd?
Joshua Zirkzee sealed his fate with Sunderland display
United fans were keen to see Zirkzee start against Sunderland after some solid cameo performances.
However, he got this start, and the performance suggests he won’t be getting another.
Zirkzee showed what fans have known for almost two years: he can’t play as a striker in the Premier League, can’t handle the speed of the game, and just isn’t at the level required.
Ineos’ rule of two seasons before selling underperforming signings will be imposed here; Zirkzee should be sold, and the Sunderland performance is what confirmed it.
Zirkzee should be considered in the same category as Manuel Ugarte on the sell list this summer. There will be plenty of takers.
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