Sunderland and Manchester United played out a dull 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light, a result that does neither side many favours but leaves United well placed to finish third with just two games remaining.
Sunderland were actually the better side for much of the match and had the best chances. They nearly broke the deadlock inside the opening ten minutes when a slick passing move sent Noah Sadiki clean through, only for United goalkeeper Senne Lammens to produce a fine low save.
The home side also felt hard done by when Enzo Le Fée’s effort appeared to strike the arm of Amad Diallo, but neither the referee nor VAR awarded a penalty. Sadiki and Brian Brobbey both came close before half time, while United’s best opportunity of the first half was wasted by Joshua Zirkzee, who headed over from a good position.
United were no better after the break. Matheus Cunha blazed wildly over within minutes of the restart, and Sunderland continued to press. Lammens again denied Brobbey with a strong stop, before Lutsharel Geertruida crashed an effort against the post.
Bryan Mbeumo was introduced late on to try to make something happen, but he had little impact, and United managed just a single shot on target all match.
United remain in a strong position to finish third, while Sunderland’s slim hopes of reaching the European places have effectively been ended by this draw.
