Man Utd drew 0-0 with Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday and here are the moments you might have missed at the Stadium of Light.
Michael Carrick learned more about his Manchester United squad this weekend. Carrick made five changes to face Sunderland on Saturday, giving Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount starts for the first time in his tenure, but the goalless draw stressed the importance of adding more quality in the transfer market.
Sunderland headed into the clash against United after two disappointing results, however, they would have felt unfortunate not to have secured a win considering the number of chances they fashioned.
During his post-match press conference, Carrick said he would be offended by any suggestions that his team are “on the beach”, but the Reds now have the challenge of securing positive results against Nottingham Forest and Brighton to end the season on a high.
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Here are the moments you might have missed from the game:
Fernandes led the inquest
Sunderland made a brilliant start to the game, pressing aggressively to keep United in their own half, which led to a golden opportunity for Noah Sadiki, who was denied by a superb Senne Lammens save.
United were under the cosh and Lammens was called into action again. Fernandes became increasingly frustrated with United’s start and launched an inquest to determine how to bypass Sunderland’s press.
Fernandes started by passing on instructions to Mount, and he was in conversation with Harry Maguire a few minutes later. The midfielder recognised the build-up was a problem and was trying his best to fix it.
It was interesting that Carrick did not intervene or speak with his assistant Steve Holland as Sunderland overpowered United, instead placing trust in Fernandes to find the solution.
Carrick stood in disbelief
Sunderland midfielder Lutsharel Geertruida was an inch away from breaking the deadlock in the second half, smacking the post from the edge of the box as Lammens attempted to scramble across his goal.
Carrick was motionless on the touchline, standing with his hands in his pockets. The United interim boss stood in disbelief and seemed shocked by the dismal performance his players had served up.
Sunderland were the better team from the first whistle, and Carrick arguably waited too long to make changes.
The Zirkzee mistake
A different side of Fernandes’ leadership skills appeared to be shown when Joshua Zirkzee made the wrong choice by crossing into the box instead of pulling the ball back to the Portugal international, who was unmarked.
Sunderland blocked the cross and it was sent for a corner. Chances were at a premium for United, so it was a costly mistake from Zirkzee, and Fernandes’ reaction was fascinating to watch.
Fernandes placed his hands on his knees in frustration, but he appeared aware of the optics and shifted to pretend to sort his boots. The reaction seemed deliberate to disguise his disappointment with Zirkzee.
Zirkzee stood with his hands on his hips. It was difficult to say whether the Dutchman had spotted Fernandes’ reaction, but if the United captain meant to hide his frustration, it spoke volumes about his leadership.
Mount did the dirty work
Sadiki had another good chance to score not long before half-time, but Mount was there to get his body in the way of his effort, which Lisandro Martinez immediately recognised the significance of.
Martinez smacked Mount on the back to thank him for his defensive contribution, and Maguire then approached to give him a high five. It was an important moment, as Sunderland were denied a lead at the interval.
Mount isn’t afraid of doing the dirty work, which makes him a valuable asset in the squad. He made his first start since Carrick’s appointment against Sunderland, and just needs to stay fit.
Warm reception for Amad
Amad said he only had good things to say about Sunderland in an interview before Saturday’s clash. The winger enjoyed a hugely successful loan stint at the Stadium of Light and was welcomed back with open arms.
When Amad got off the team bus, he was applauded by Sunderland’s fans, and he held his hand up to give them a wave. He was applauded again by the home supporters inside the ground when he took a corner.
Bryan Mbeumo replaced Amad in the 75th minute, and he received a standing ovation from most Sunderland fans. A Mackem standing in front of the press box even shouted: “We love you, Amad.”
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