Man Utd participant scores vs Sunderland as seven flops under par in woeful draw
Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and here’s how we rate the players, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens the standout performer
Manchester United ambled to a 0-0 draw at Sunderland, and instead of celebrating their Champions League qualification, they ended up with a lacklustre draw in the north-east. Amad and Joshua Zirkzee had the best opportunities for United in both halves, but these came to naught as the hosts were unlucky not to snatch all three points.
Michael Carrick made five alterations from the squad that triumphed over Liverpool 3-2 in their previous match, but without Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko, they found it difficult to build from the back and Senne Lammens couldn’t resort to his usual long-ball tactics towards his target man.
Here, Daily Star Sport examines how the United players fared…
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Senne Lammens, 8 – He made an intelligent early save to thwart Noah Sadiki, who should have netted early on after being put through on goal. Easily United’s standout player as he executed another remarkable save in the second half, this time denying Brian Brobbey from within the penalty box, reports the Express.
Noussair Mazraoui, 5 – One of five changes Michael Carrick implemented for the Sunderland match, but he had a tough time against Chemsdine Talbi, who frequently outplayed the Moroccan full-back. He was also unable to impose his typically superb passing game.
Harry Maguire, 6 – Strong in aerial duels and had United’s best opportunity of the first half. His performance was neat enough and he’ll be pleased with the clean sheet.
Lisandro Martinez, 5 – Playing for the first time in nearly a month to build up his fitness before the end of the season, with Champions League football secured for next season. His distribution wasn’t at its typically outstanding standard and was frequently overpowered physically by Brobbey.
Luke Shaw, 6 – Pushing for a late inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad and delivered a steady, if unremarkable, display. Perhaps slightly lucky not to have conceded a late penalty when grappling with Brobbey.
Kobbie Mainoo, 6 – Required to operate in a deeper position with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte missing and everything flowed through him. United’s driving force today but was possibly asked to shoulder too much responsibility.
Mason Mount, 5 – Put in the effort but was overwhelmed in midfield. Produced a vital block in the first half as Sunderland kept applying pressure. Cautioned after a series of fouls shortly before the hour mark.
Bruno Fernandes, 5 – The FWA Footballer of the Year spent most of the opening period directing his teammates, but failed to justify the accolade he had collected just hours before.
Amad, 5 – Came close with an early opportunity but needed to see more of the ball throughout. Should have done better when played through on goal and chose to pass, but lacked a teammate in close range.
Joshua Zirkzee, 5 – Given a rare opportunity to feature from the off, and potentially showcase himself for a move, but failed to retain possession in the way that Sesko would and spurned a free header. Withdrawn after an hour for Patrick Dorgu.
Matheus Cunha, 5 – Couldn’t be located frequently enough, whether deployed wide or centrally, and his only standout moment was a clever delivery that Zirkzee wasted. Had a very late opportunity on the left flank, but declined to pull the trigger. Moments later, he unleashed a strike from the penalty area that was well kept out. Then cautioned for simulation in a frantic few minutes.
Patrick Dorgu (65′), 6 – His arrival enabled Cunha to operate centrally and he linked up effectively with Shaw, promising following a prolonged spell out.
Bryan Mbeumo (75′), 6 – A shock it required so long to introduce him.
