Sunderland were left frustrated after failing to convert their dominance into a win against a much-changed Manchester United side at the Stadium of Light. The hosts created the better chances but were denied by the woodwork and some fine goalkeeping from Senne Lammens.
United, without the in-form Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko, struggled to impose themselves. Brian Brobbey caused problems for the visitors' defence, while Noah Sadiki spurned Sunderland's best early chance when he was denied by Lammens after bursting clear.
Michael Carrick, who made five changes to the side that beat Liverpool, defended his players after suggestions they lacked motivation. 'I get offended if people are accusing us of that because if we weren't motivated then we lose that game today,' he said. 'We had to dig deep and weren't at our best, but to take something from a game like that is a good trait.'
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris expressed disappointment at not securing all three points. 'We created enough chances to score and defended well,' he said. 'We conceded just one shot on target, but we were not clinical enough in the final third.'
The draw leaves United in second place, while Sunderland remain in mid-table. The result extends Sunderland's impressive record of 11 clean sheets this season.
