Manchester United’s much-changed XI stuttered and spluttered to a goalless draw at Sunderland that won’t do any favours to fringe players.
The five changes to the XI had their effect, just not the desired one, as a disjointed performance somehow saw Man Utd go in at half-time on level pegging despite being dominated.
United did improve in the second half but not enough, as a scrappy game with no shots on target from Michael Carrick’s men until injury time ended in a dour goalless draw.
At least Carrick now knows how much this squad depth needs work after every fringe player to start the game disappointed immensely.
Man Utd have drawn 0-0 at Sunderland – what is your INSTANT REACTION?
Two points dropped or one gained?
Senne Lammens – 8
Kept United in the game when Sunderland piled on the pressure in the first half.
Noussair Mazraoui – 3
Struggled with the pace and physicality of the game. Has lost himself after a sterling debut season.
Harry Maguire – 7
A good-old English game was right up his alley as he relished physical battles and won his duels.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Brian Brobbey targeted him and had plenty of joy as Martinez was repeatedly outmuscled.
Luke Shaw – 6.5
Somewhat iffy in build-up but overlapped nicely and provided some dangerous crosses.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Grew into the game after starting poorly, partly due to Casemiro’s absence.
Mason Mount – 5
Ran hard and went into duels with abandon but defensive midfield is just not his position.
Amad – 6
Lacking in confidence when presented with opportunities. Doesn’t let down on his work rate.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Largely peripheral, and when that happens, United struggle too.
Matheus Cunha – 6
Missed good chances in attacking moves of note. Needed a moment of magic, which didn’t come.
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?
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Perhaps he’s best off the bench. Didn’t even contest half the aerial balls, and his slick game was found out by Sunderland’s brutality.
Substitutes
Patrick Dorgu – 7
Added energy and directness to a labouring United. Still wasn’t enough to test Sunderland.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6
Wasn’t much of an improvement on Amad.
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