Report, result, goals as Zirkzee ‘gives nothing away’ – but ‘old’ Black Cats striker shines in Premier League clash
Manchester United striker, Joshua Zirkzee, started his first game since December but was sent off in the second half by Patrick Dorgu as Michael Carrick’s side still held a point against Sunderland in the Premier League.
The Black Cats dominated at the Stadium of Light, with Brian Brobbey testing United goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Lutsharel Geertruida firing against the post before Robin Roefs did well to head home Matheus Cunha in second-half extra time.
United, who beat Liverpool at home last Sunday to secure next season’s Champions League football, are now close to third, while Sunderland may need to win both of their last two games to have a chance of playing in Europe in 2026/27.
Sunderland vs Manchester United analysis: Zirkzee ‘passenger’
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson called Zirkzee a “rider” as United’s three-match winning streak came to an end.
“He hasn’t given anything to this Manchester United side,” Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Every time they were in possession of the ball, they were always looking for the ball to come out. [but he] He didn’t really work the channel and didn’t cover much.
“That tells you a lot [Carrick’s] to bring Dorgu to his place.”
Robinson was very impressed with Brobbey but urged Netherlands international Zirkzee to be more clinical.
“Brobbey is a really good player and a good looking player,” Robinson said. “If he can add more goals to his game… he is a great midfielder who doesn’t care about fighting.
“He had a really good fight with him [Lisandro] Martinez and [Harry] Maguire all afternoon. He had two very good chances and the second one was the best.
“It was a great save but he should have scored. He works hard for his team and runs the channels; he just needs to add more goals.”
Sunderland team vs Man United
Romaine Mundle is injured for Sunderland, who make one change by bringing on Geertruida for the suspended Dan Ballard.
Sunderland starting XI: Nick Roefs, Lutsharel Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderrete, Reinildo Mandava, Trai Hume, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Enzo Le Fee, Brian Brobbey
Sunderland substitutions: Nilson Angulo, Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin, Chris Rigg, Habib Diarra, Melker Ellborg, Wilson Isidor, Eliezer Mayenda, Djiamgone Jocelin Ta Bi
Manchester United vs Sunderland team
Striker Benjamin Sesko was absent from United’s win over Liverpool with a shin injury and midfielder Casemiro was not involved.
Martinez returned from suspension to replace Ayden Heaven but Matthijs de Ligt had a back injury.
Noussair Mazraoui, Zirkzee and Sunderland loanee Amad Diallo were all new arrivals.
Manchester United starting XI: Senne Lammens, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo
Man United substitutes: Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Tyler Heaven, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Bryan Mbeumo
Sunderland vs Man United stats
- Sunderland have won three of their 34 Premier League games against Manchester United (D7 L24), with their 24 defeats against the Red Devils the most of any opponent in the competition.
- They are winless in their last 29 Premier League games against teams that started the day in the top four (D10 L19), since a 2-1 win at Chelsea in April 2014 under Gus Poyet.
- Granit Xhaka has been involved in more Premier League goals against United than any other opponent (5). All three of his goals were scored from outside the box, no player scored another goal from a long distance against the Red Devils.
- United have lost just one of their 16 visits to the Stadium of Light against Sunderland in the Premier League (W10 D4), losing 2-1 in February 2016.
- Carrick has scored more points in his previous 14 games than Ruben Amorim has in his 20 games this season (31)
