Manchester United were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Sunderland on Saturday after a flat display from Michael Carrick’s men at the Stadium of Light.
Playing without injured duo Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko, United struggled to impose themselves in difficult weather conditions and were fortunate to leave Wearside with a point thanks to goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The hosts started brightly and nearly took an early lead when Chemsdine Talbi curled an effort narrowly wide from the edge of the area.
Moments later, Lammens was called into action, producing a fine save to deny Noah Sadiki after the midfielder burst through the United defence.
United offered little attacking threat before the break, with Amad Diallo firing off target and Joshua Zirkzee heading over the bar in their best openings of the half.
Sunderland remained the more dangerous side after the restart, and Lammens again came to United’s rescue with another sharp stop to keep out Brian Brobbey after the striker powered into the box.
Brobbey later turned provider, setting up Lutsharel Geertruida on the edge of the area, but the defender’s low strike rattled the post.
United nearly snatched all three points in stoppage time when Matheus Cunha tested goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a late effort, but the Sunderland shot-stopper reacted well to preserve the stalemate.
