Man United held by Sunderland, edge closer to third-place finish

Manchester United missed the opportunity to secure third place in the Premier League after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland will feel unfortunate not to have claimed all three points after creating the better chances in a contest largely dominated by the home side.

Noah Sadiki and Brian Brobbey were both denied by excellent saves from United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who produced a standout display to preserve the clean sheet.

United had already secured Champions League qualification following last weekend’s victory over Liverpool, prompting manager Michael Carrick to rotate his squad heavily.

Five changes were made to the side that defeated Liverpool, with Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount handed starts, while Casemiro missed out due to a minor injury concern.

Carrick’s side, currently third in the table, looked below their usual intensity in a subdued encounter, with Sunderland enjoying the majority of possession and dictating long periods of the game.

The result marked the first time Manchester United failed to score in a Premier League match since November.

Speaking after the game, Carrick insisted there was little reason for concern despite the underwhelming performance.

“We take the point. A clean sheet is always good to get,” Carrick told Sky Sports.

“We’ve scored a lot of goals this season and created a lot of chances. It’s just one of those games. It was a tough game and, overall, a decent enough point.”

The draw leaves United six points ahead of fourth-placed Liverpool FC, needing just one more point from their final two matches to mathematically guarantee a third-place finish.