Manchester United's trip to the Stadium of Light ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw against Sunderland, a result that will leave fans feeling flat. The Red Devils struggled to create clear-cut chances, managing just one shot on target all game, and were largely outplayed by a determined Black Cats side. Here's how the players rated in a forgettable afternoon.
Senne Lammens 8 – The standout performer for United, Lammens produced two outstanding saves in either half to keep Sunderland at bay. He showed sharp reflexes to deny Noah Sadiki and Brian Brobbey, single-handedly ensuring his side left with a point.
Noussair Mazraoui 6 – Solid enough defensively against Talbi, but offered little in attack. A workmanlike display that lacked the dynamism needed from a full-back in a game where United needed creativity.
Lisandro Martinez 4 – A tough return to the starting XI after a three-game suspension. The Argentine was bullied by Brobbey and struggled to impose himself, looking off the pace throughout.
Luke Shaw 6 – Similar to Mazraoui, Shaw worked hard defensively but failed to provide the attacking width that could have unlocked Sunderland's stubborn backline.
Kobbie Mainoo 6 – A composed performance in the middle of the park. Mainoo controlled the tempo in a hard-fought midfield battle, but couldn't inspire his teammates to raise their game.
Mason Mount 3 – Virtually anonymous. Already fighting for minutes under Michael Carrick, this performance did nothing to strengthen his case. Contributed almost nothing in attack or defense.
Bruno Fernandes 5 – A subdued afternoon for the captain. Sunderland's midfield swarmed him, denying him the space to dictate play. United's only shot on target came in added time, highlighting his struggles.
Amad 4 – Out of sync and out of ideas. A bright moment in the first half when Fernandes set him up was his only contribution of note. Too many attacks broke down at his feet, and he was consistently outmuscled by the full-back. One golden chance to set up Matheus Cunha was wasted with a poor pass.
Matheus Cunha 4 – A surprising off day for a player who had been in red-hot form. Barely threatened the Sunderland goal, and his usual spark was missing. A performance that will frustrate fans given his recent standards.
Joshua Zirkzee 2 – Abysmal. The striker couldn't hold up the ball, losing possession even under minimal pressure. He was dominated in duels and, aside from a glancing header that didn't trouble the goalkeeper, offered nothing. Rightly substituted first.
Patrick Dorgu 4 – Made no impact off the bench. A wasted substitution in a game that cried out for a game-changer.
For a team with United's ambitions, this was a performance that lacked urgency, creativity, and cutting edge. With just one shot on target, the Red Devils will need to find their spark quickly to avoid more frustrating afternoons like this.