Michael Carrick is determined not to “overestimate” Manchester United’s future needs following Sunderland’s draw.
Wearside’s resilience saw the hosts get the better of the chances throughout the game and they almost broke through twice after the break when United goalkeeper Senne Lammens denied Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida hit the post.
The point keeps United third and they are now four games unbeaten in the Premier League with two games to go.
Carrick made five changes in last weekend’s win over Liverpool, but the Red Devils struggled to test the Black Cats, with a stoppage-time effort from Matheus Cunha posing a real danger.
Victory over Liverpool secured Champions League football for United and with the hope of more games to be played next season, Carrick insisted that Saturday’s game against Sunderland will not define their future plans.
He said: “It’s one more game and I think over-analysing it in terms of moving forward next season, judging the squad and judging everything in one game is certainly not something I will do or we will do as a team.
“We know the quality of the players, we know what the team looks like, the strength and the things we need to improve.
“Certainly one game today doesn’t change our minds on any of that.”
Joshua Zirkzee is one of those five changes to make his first start for the club since December 2025.
However, a quiet ball from the striker saw his real chance of the game come in the first half, heading the ball over the net from Cunha’s cross.
Speaking about Zirkzee’s performance, Carrick said: “I thought for all the boys it was just a tough game, a tough away game coming here.”
“There were times when Josh coordinated the game well and times when we maybe left him alone.
“That’s how it goes, I think he played an active role in the team.
“I certainly don’t judge anyone based on just one performance today.”
United are expected to spend big to improve their midfield this summer with Casemiro set to leave the club, and Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on their summer plans after the Wearside draw.
Fabrizio Romano shares Casemiro U-turn opportunity amid calls to stay at Man Utd
The fans are desperate for him to stay.
Man Utd are looking to score as many as six goals in midfield
Speaking on his personal YouTube channel, Romano also confirmed United’s interest in Atalanta star Ederson, who will be sold this summer with just one year left on his contract.
The Serie A club have slapped a €45m (£39m) price tag on the defensive midfielder, which saw Atletico Madrid pull the plug on the deal despite a personal agreement with the player.
“Some people are contacting Ederson, but he is not the only one, Man United can sign two or three midfielders.
“Ederson’s name will be very important, but not the only one. At the moment there are at least five or six midfielders being considered.”
The top name on the shortlist appears to be Aurélien Tchouaméni, after Romano revealed a good relationship between United and the Frenchman’s agent.
Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd’s ‘relationship’ with Aurelien Tchouameni’s agents
The Red Devils will spend a lot of time in midfield this summer.
Other names being considered are Brighton star Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, although the latter has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City.
