Sunderland holds Manchester United to a goalless draw: Zirkzee disappears, but Brobbey shines like a true old-fashioned striker
In a lackluster game for Manchester United, Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch forward who has been out of the usual options, started for the first time since December – but his performance was so subdued that Michael Carrick was forced to substitute him in the first half for young Patrick Dorgu. At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland dominated the match and created the best opportunities, but ultimately failed to break through the Red Devils’ defense, securing an important point in the Premier League.
Sunderland, which is fighting for a European spot for the 2026/27 season, applied strong pressure, with Brian Brobbey making his mark by testing visiting goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Lutsharel Geertruida also posed a threat by hitting the post, while Robin Roefs shone with a spectacular save from a shot by United forward Matheus Cunha in stoppage time of the second half.
This 0-0 draw comes after the epic victory of Manchester United over Liverpool at Old Trafford, virtually securing third place and qualification for next season’s Champions League. Meanwhile, Sunderland needs to win their last two matches to keep their European hopes alive.
Zirkzee “added nothing,” criticizes former England goalkeeper
Paul Robinson, former England goalkeeper, did not hold back in his assessment of forward Joshua Zirkzee’s performance. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he described the Dutchman as “a passenger” in the game and accused him of “not offering anything at all” to United.
“Every time the team had the ball, they looked to get it to the forward, but he didn’t work the spaces properly or cover enough ground,” Robinson explained. “The fact that Carrick substituted him so early says it all.”
On the other hand, Robinson praised Brian Brobbey, Sunderland’s striker, highlighting his “old-school” playing style, a true forward who is not afraid of a challenge and fights for his space. “Brobbey had two clear chances, including one that only didn’t result in a goal thanks to a brilliant save from the goalkeeper. He works hard for the team and moves well, but he needs to be more effective and score more goals.”
Lineups and absences mark the clash
Sunderland has lost Romaine Mundle to injury, making a change to the team with Lutsharel Geertruida coming in for the suspended Dan Ballard. The Sunderland starting lineup featured Nick Roefs in goal, a defense consisting of Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, and Reinildo Mandava, a midfield with Trai Hume, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, and Chemsdine Talbi, and an attack formed by Enzo Le Fee and Brian Brobbey.
At Manchester United, forward Benjamin Sesko was sidelined due to a shin injury sustained in the match against Liverpool, while Casemiro was not an option. Lisandro Martinez returned after suspension, replacing Ayden Heaven, but Matthijs de Ligt was out due to back issues. Notable inclusions in the starting eleven were the returns of Noussair Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee, and former Sunderland loan player Amad Diallo.
Statistics reveal a historic dominance by United, but Sunderland holds firm.
The history of encounters between Sunderland and Manchester United is clearly favorable to the Red Devils, who have won 24 of the 34 matches in the league, against just three victories for the Black Cats. However, Sunderland has not won a match against top 4 teams in the Premier League in 29 games, since a victory against Chelsea in 2014. Granit Xhaka, Sunderland’s midfielder, is a real headache for United, having scored five goals throughout his career in the Premier League against the Red Devils — all of them scored from outside the box.
Manchester United, in turn, has almost total dominance at the Stadium of Light, with only one defeat in 16 visits since the Premier League was established.
This goalless draw leaves Sunderland with the obligation to fight until the end to reach Europe, while Manchester United prepares to consolidate its place at the top of the table, relying on players capable of making a difference — something that, clearly, Zirkzee failed to demonstrate in this decisive match.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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