Michael Carrick: Man Utd had to ‘dig deep at times’ in Sunderland stalemate

By Rebecca Johnson, Press Association

Michael Carrick admitted Manchester United had to “dig deep at times” to earn a Premier League draw against Sunderland.

A goalless stalemate on Wearside saw the Black Cats enjoy the best of the opportunities throughout, going close through Chemsdine Talbi and Noah Sadiki early in the first half.

After the break, United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was called into action to deny Brian Brobbey and the striker shortly turned provider for Lutsharel Geertruida, who hit the post.

Joshua Zirkzee had nodded over for the visitors in the first half, while a late surge at the death saw efforts from Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo blocked.

United sealed Champions League qualification with victory over Liverpool last weekend and Carrick was focused on the positives after sealing a point.

He said: “It was a tough game. Credit to Sunderland, I think we knew it was going to be a tough game.

“We had to dig deep at times, it wasn’t our best, but to take something from the game when you’re not at your best is a good trait that we’re trying to build.

“There was obviously changes and sometimes you’re trying to find that rhythm a little bit.

“I still quite liked a lot of the things to give us the foundation to then be able play better at certain times.

“To take the point and the clean sheet for what it is, I think is OK.”

Carrick made five changes to the team that beat Liverpool, with Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko not involved on Saturday.

Providing an update on the pair, the United boss said: “Cas will be fine, it’s not a major issue. He’ll be fine next week.

“Ben we’ll just have to see. He’s been carrying a shin problem so we’ve just got to manage that and see what’s best for him.”

Head coach Regis Le Bris admitted there was some disappointment that Sunderland were unable to win the game following a controlled display.

The Black Cats’ performance was the first at the Stadium of Light since they were thrashed 5-0 by Nottingham Forest last month and a point keeps them 12th in the table, with two games remaining.

Asked if he felt disappointed not to win in the end, Le Bris said: “Yes a bit. It was the mood in the dressing room, probably in the stands as well, which is a good sign.

“We created probably enough chances at least to score and I think we defended well.

“We conceded one shot on target just at the end against a strong squad with many good players and game changers – overall, the game was positive.

“It’s always a balance, the way you defend and you work hard as a team to control different players and patterns.

“At the same time, you want to control the game, so taking risks under pressure sometimes to create chances.

“Last game at home it wasn’t a good balance. I think today it was, but we were not clinical enough in the final third.”