If Michael Carrick goes on to secure the Manchester United job on a permanent basis as expected, then he is unlikely to spend too much time watching the highlight reel of this forgettable encounter during the summer. From the high of downing their arch-rivals Liverpool at a raucous Old Trafford to secure Champions League qualification to a chilly, damp afternoon on Wearside where United were generally second best to a vibrant Sunderland side.
The visitors, showing five changes and without the in-form Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko, could have easily buckled in the face of some intense pressure, Brian Brobbey causing United’s backline plenty of problems throughout. Only the woodwork, and some fine goalkeeping from Senne Lammens, denied the hosts victory as United held firm.
