- Man United held to goalless draw at Sunderland
- Black Cats dominate entire match but fail to score
- Painful misses by Brian Brobbey and Noah Sadiki.
Here are Sunderland’s player ratings after a dominant showing at the Stadium of Light against Manchester United. Plenty of drama to reminisce about, but Noah Sadiki and Brian Brobbey left the Black Cats with just a point from a game they deserved to win.
It was a quiet afternoon for Michael Carrick’s men, but the home fans certainly enjoyed Regis Le Bris’s side’s showmanship. They would have wished for a perfect 3-point gift to boost European chances, but it was too late.
Sunderland players vs Manchester United
Robin Roefs – 6.7
Was barely tested throughout, owing to Sunderland’s resolute defensive display. Didn’t have much work to do, but his accurate passes from his half added depth to the Black Cats’ performance.
Lutsharel Geertruida – 6.5
Not much work for Sunderland’s right-back at the Stadium of Light, with just two recoveries. He was largely a passenger on the right side due to the opposition he faced. Hit the woodwork in the second half.
Nordi Mukiele – 7.0
By far the most visible of Sunderland’s defenders on the afternoon in terms of recoveries, aerial duels, and clearances. His movement and reading of the game were perfect
Omar Alderete – 6.8
Another player who was the reason Sunderland didn’t concede against Manchester United. His positional awareness was top notch. He was in the right place at the right time, especially for clearances and interceptions.
Reinildo Mandava – 6.8
Not much work on his side of the field. Benefitted from the overall quality of the Sunderland squad. His ability to win tackles and make the highest number of clearances in the first half made him a difficult player to bypass.
Granit Xhaka – 8.3
Another game, and the captain proved why he was Sunderland’s highest-rated player on the pitch. He was unplayable in the first half, and his passes, crosses, and runs were perfect. It’s unfortunate his teammates didn’t get on the end of most of the balls.
Noah Sadiki – 7.0
Should have put the Black Cats in the lead in the 6th minute but fluffed it. He was sent clean through on goal in the 6th minute but fluffed the finish, giving Senne Lammens the chance to turn his effort around the post. Nonetheless, he was the driving force and workaholic in midfield, keeping United’s midfield quiet.
Timothy Hume – 6.5
Had a wonderful first 45 minutes against the Reds. His best half of the match, with a few key passes and touches in United’s half. Withdrawn in the second half after becoming a mere passenger.
Enzo Le Fée – 7.6
Created one of Sunderland’s biggest chances in the second half. Aside from Xhaka, he was Wearside’s most standout player and one of the top distributors for the Black Cats at their home ground.
Chemsdine Talbi – 6.6
Gave Manchester a lot to worry about in the first 45 minutes with his drifting infield from the left wing. Should have buried a chance from the edge of the area but curled it wide.
Brian Brobbey – 7.3
Should have scored to cap off all his hard work throughout the game, but it remains a wish. A few questionable 50/50 decisions from referee Atwell and his indecision in front of goal concluded his outing.
Substitutes
Nilson Angulo – 6.6
His impact since coming on showed he certainly deserved more minutes, but it was too late. A few runs in the United half came too late
Eliezer Mayenda – N/A
Stepping onto the field 2 minutes into stoppage time meant he had little impact. He’ll hope for more minutes in his next appearance.
