Carrick: Man Utd's goalless draw with Sunderland still a positive result

Michael Carrick described Manchester United's goalless draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light as "a decent enough point."

United came into the clash following their dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool, which saw them secure Champions League qualification for next season, but they were outdone by Sunderland in an entertaining clash. 

Noah Sadiki and Brian Brobbey forced Senne Lammens into action on a number of occasions, while Lutsharel Geertruida struck the post late on as the Black Cats pushed for a winner. 

United's best chance fell to Matheus Cunha deep in stoppage time, though the Brazilian was unable to beat Robin Roefs from close range. 

Despite his side turning out a flat display, Carrick remained unbothered, telling Premier League Productions: "It is a positive result in terms of the point. Was it going to be a perfect game? We weren't expecting a perfect game.  

"It is what it is. It's not something we need to overthink and it's hard to be negative. It was just one of those games. A decent enough point and we nearly won it at the end. 

"This is a tough place to come. They've had a good record here all season. We'll take the point, a clean sheet is always good to get. 

"As a team we could have been a bit better but we know what the boys can do.  

"Everyone has contributed in such a good way, I'm pleased with the overall connection, communication and willingness to work for each other today. 

"We gave everything this week. We've got our last home game of the season that we will work towards this week. We look forward to it.  

"It's important to finish the season strong and I think today is a positive note for us."

Prior to Saturday's match, United had found the net in each of their last 23 Premier League games, dating all the way back to a 1-0 home loss to Everton in November.  

But that run came to an end here as the Red Devils managed just 0.66 expected goals (xG) from one shot on target, which came from Cunha in the 93rd minute. 

This match also marked the 27th goalless draw in the Premier League this season, as many as have come from the previous two seasons combined – 11 in 2023-24 and 16 in 2024-25. 

Sunderland, meanwhile, might feel they deserved more from the match, but the point nonetheless took the Black Cats up to 48 points for the season (W12 D12 L12). Only twice have they earned more points across a Premier League campaign – 58 points in 1999-00 and 57 in 2000-01. 

"We probably created enough chances to win the game, but chances don't always mean goals," Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris told BBC Match of the Day.  

"When we got the momentum and the chances, we weren't clinical enough. 

"The Premier League is very demanding, so when you don't score, you are always on the edge. But overall, I think the lads did well. 

"This is a good sign, especially for our first year in the Premier League after eight years. It's good, it shows our season has been excellent so far if we're disappointed at home after a draw against Manchester United. It's a good sign for the club."