Michael Carrick was visibly frustrated as his Manchester United side struggled to break down Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Despite recent impressive performances, this match was a stark contrast. The manager made five changes from the team that secured Champions League football against Liverpool, and the impact was evident. Senne Lammens produced a sharp early save to deny Noah Sadiki, while Casemiro’s absence—described by Carrick as “nothing major”—was keenly felt in midfield. Home fans appealed for a penalty in the 20th minute when the ball appeared to strike former loan star Amad’s hand, but VAR upheld referee Stuart Attwell’s decision. United showed signs of life when Joshua Zirkzee, who struggled throughout, headed over from Matheus Cunha’s cross, but that was the extent of their threat in the first half.
After the interval, United improved, as they had to. Amad was unselfish when he opted to pass to Cunha instead of shooting. Lammens came to United’s rescue in the 66th minute, making a superb save to push Brian Brobbey’s shot wide after the striker had broken free from Harry Maguire. Sunderland then hit the post through Lutsharel Geertruida. In added time, Patrick Dorgu’s brilliant work set up Cunha, but Robin Roefs denied him, though a goal would have been harsh on the home side.
Casemiro was a surprise absentee from the squad, missing his first game since December when he was suspended. He had started 18 consecutive matches for United, and Carrick’s pre-match press conference gave no indication of any issue. However, the Brazilian did not travel. Carrick told MUTV before kick-off, “He’ll be fine for next week, nothing major.” Casemiro’s summer exit has been long anticipated, with his form prompting fans to chant “one more year.” By missing this game, he rendered the clause in his contract—which would have triggered an extra year on his £350,000 per week deal if he started 35 games this season—obsolete. He is now on course for a maximum of 34 starts. This is a moot point, given an agreement between him and the club about his future. He has been in talks with other clubs, and Inter Miami are keen to take him to MLS.
Casemiro’s absence gave United a glimpse of life after his departure and highlighted what might be needed from a new midfielder. Carrick selected Mason Mount in Casemiro’s position, a player with a very different skill set. Although Casemiro is seen as one of the world’s best No. 6s, Kobbie Mainoo has recently played deeper, with the 34-year-old often pushing forward to score. Replacing his eight Premier League goals, all headers, will be tough for United, and Carrick’s side were less threatening from set pieces. In open play, Mainoo dropped into the back line to start attacks, with Mount pushing on as Casemiro would. Mount’s best moment came late in the first half when he won possession high, creating a four-on-three attack for United.
