Manchester United

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BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater says Saturday's goalless draw at Sunderland showed the hierarchy at Manchester United that some players "are not good enough".

Michael Carrick made five changes to the side that beat Liverpool the previous weekend and United were threatening not to have a shot on target in a Premier League game for the first time since January 2015 until Matheus Cunha's injury-time effort was saved by Robin Roefs.

"It's always a concern when a team wants it more than Manchester United, especially when this isn't a Sunderland team that is fighting for anything themselves," he told BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast.

"They looked liked a better team than us. We shifted things around in the pack and what it did prove was there were a few players out there who had question marks over their head as to whether they can be used at Manchester United as squad depth and those question marks are turning into big crosses against their names.

"One game isn't going to fully convince me of that but there are concerns around the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and there are now around the likes of Mason Mount who didn't cover himself in glory.

"Maybe this was done deliberately by Michael Carrick and he's looking to next season and thinking 'let's give these a chance to prove themselves' or show the hierarchy they are not good enough. Some of them fell into that second category."

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We asked for your views on how you would revamp the Manchester United squad in the summer, after fan contributor Alex Turk urged the club to "get aggressive in the transfer market".

Here are some of your comments:

Graham: Totally agree - it's time to be ruthless. The Sunderland game and the first half against Leeds United shows how poor this side can be. Players like Amad Diallo, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee are just not good enough to play well on a regular basis and find the magic needed to win games.

Gordon: Totally agree with Alex Turk's comments regarding players surplus to requirements, and on signing sufficient new players for a rigorous campaign next season. I didn't agree with Michael Carrick's selections against Sunderland. Mount and Zirkzee are simply not good enough. Pick the best team available to keep momentum going until the season's end. And why not give some of the young lads like Shea Lacey a chance for half an hour?

Callum: I wouldn't say a radical overhaul of the squad needs to happen, rather than shrewd business that increases the quality and squad depth. Both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo show that bringing in players who are adapted to the Premier League will provide a more lasting impact than making a number of high-profile signings from across the leagues that are not carefully considered. Players like Amad and Martinez will be able to play their part if outgoings are replaced with genuine quality. If we fail to do that, next season could see yet another regression - and that would be very much in keeping with our experience post-Ferguson!

Gerry: In midfield, I'd get Ederson and Joao Gomes. I'd look at bringing James Garner back, he's in his last year of contract at Everton. In defence, I'd sign Michael Keane on a free for a similar role to that played by Jonny Evans in case Matthijs de Ligt and Martinez continue to be injury prone. Axel Tuanzabe could also be considered for that role - he's free.

Mike: As good as a job Carrick has done, if we don't sign a minimum of five players in key roles we don't stand a chance of competing in Europe or the Premier League. If you look at the games we drew this season, at least half of them should have been wins. I believe that Carrick was also to blame for the team he picked for a few of them - the latest at Sunderland had me thinking why Mbeumo didn't start the game instead of Zirkzee.

Antony: They need to bring up the youth. The Class of '92 never would have been as successful had they not been given the chance. Get a central midfielder to support and a central defender, then bring some up from the youths.

Alan: Acquire a new, seasoned manager first, then a top-class central defender, holding midfielder, wide player and striker.

Richard: This all very well but United need to have a full-time manager first. Players need certainty and know they are wanted. Personally, I'm not sure how much more Carrick can do. Appoint him and get on with it.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United youngster Amir Ibragimov has been picked by Russia for their forthcoming matches against Egypt, Burkina Faso and Trinidad and Tobago.

The 18-year-old midfielder has just returned from five months out with a broken foot and is expected to be part of the United squad for their FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City.

Ibragimov is one of the most highly rated young players in United's academy.

His elder brother, Ibragim, is a professional mixed martial arts fighter and regarded as one of the top prospects in the Professional Fighters' League.

Ibragimov qualifies for England and his native Russia.

They have been banned from international competitions since February 2022 after the country's invasion of Ukraine but have been playing friendlies.

It is not known whether Ibragimov intends to accept the call-up and United sources say they are still to be informed by Russia of the squad selection, which has been confirmed on social media.

Marcus Rashford is currently recording better average goal-contribution numbers than Barcelona team-mates Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, according to Spanish football expert and BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague.

Rashford, who is on loan from Manchester United, scored a free-kick as Barcelona beat rivals Real Madrid to seal their 29th La Liga title at the weekend - however, his loan club are reportedly hesitant to splash £30m on a permanent deal.

"His average goal contribution, which include goals, assists and penalties, is every 86 minutes - compared to Lamine Yamal's 103 minutes and Raphinha's 96 minutes," Balague explained on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"When you're using that metric, he is actually statistically the best British player in their first season [in La Liga] - ahead of Gareth Bale and Jude Bellingham.

"Among foreign strikers that have played for Barcelona this century, only Luis Suarez did better in his first season there.

"When you put it like this, you would assume Barcelona want to keep him. But, even though their perception has changed a bit in the past two or three weeks, the ideas of paying £30m for him is a lot for Barcelona.

"It will cost £30m to keep him, plus £30m more for his package of wages and so on, so it will cost around £60m for a player who is 28 years old with no real return.

"This is what is installing the doubt really, but I don't think it should be a debate."

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Alex Turk
Fan writer

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Saturday's drab draw at Sunderland served as a timely reminder that Manchester United cannot solely target starters in the summer transfer window.

If United are to avoid another Champions League capitulation, they must vastly improve the squad as a whole.

All confidence of a result at the Stadium of Light vanished when Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko's absences emerged.

It is fair to say that if the 0-0 stalemate was an audition for a role next season, their replacements would not be receiving callbacks.

Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee join Altay Bayindir, Tyrell Malacia and Manuel Ugarte in being blatantly surplus to requirements.

Worryingly, several other players who are regulars in matchday squads and starting line-ups cannot be considered untouchable either.

Ruthlessly speaking, among those who featured at Sunderland, that includes Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo.

It is a time to be positive. And, realistically, United rotated in the North East because their job is all-but done. Champions League is sealed, soon third place will be too.

But we cannot pretend like seeing a startling drop-off when a few key players are missing is not something new. With one eye beyond the summer, that is a concern.

A busier schedule is on the agenda next season, thankfully. No-one is complaining about the Champions League anthem returning to Old Trafford.

Yet, can United expect the likes of Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and even Bryan Mbeumo, who has never played in European football, to start every match?

The answer is no. If United are actually internally aiming to challenge for the Premier League title by 2028, the time to get aggressive in the transfer market is now.

I understand that is made harder this summer by the World Cup, uncertainty over the head coach and many players who need replacing potentially being difficult to shift.

But if the Red Devils fail to prepare for the demands that come with their Champions League comeback, they risk crumbling back to square one.

So, over to you. How would you revamp the squad in the summer? Who has to stay, who goes and who do you bring in?

Get in touch with your views here

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

The Devils' Advocate presenters Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath are joined by Michael Clarke to discuss Manchester United's goalless draw at Sunderland, their squad depth and Marcus Rashford winning the La Liga title with Barcelona.

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Manchester United are expected to be busy in the transfer window as they target at least five signings, including three central midfielders, a left-back and a striker. (Sun), external

United are considering a move for Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson, 26, who could be available for around £40m. (Manchester Evening News), external

West Ham have put a price of £84m on 21-year-old Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who has attracted interest from Manchester United and Paris St-Germain. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Sunderland fans

Jacky: Good game. Sunderland by far the better team on the day. We were unlucky not to score, receive a pen and we hit the post. A point before the game would have been nice but disappointed not to win after such a good performance. No wonder their keeper got man of the match.

Peter: This game represented Sunderland's season. Solid in defence with some top-class interplay. But sadly clinical finishing has cost us a European spot. A great season that could have been fantastic.

Michael: Excellent all-round except the finishing. That is the last piece of the jigsaw for this team. Get that right and we will be a real force in the Premier League. Much better than United by far.

Jura: Another wasted opportunity to get maximum points because we struggle to score goals.

Man Utd fans

Andrew: Poor display by United, there was no urgency in trying to win the ball or win the game. United did not start to play until the last five minutes. I hope this effort was just a one-off or the Champions League is going to be short-lived.

Paul: Again a very under-par performance and couldn't have complained if the result had gone against them. Very poor forward play and midfield were always being pressured by a team who seemed more up for the challenge.

Mark: Sunderland certainly deserved a win. United were overrun by a team who fought better and had chances to win. United unfortunately were lethargic.

KB: United played like a team that had reached its objectives and it didn't really matter any more. Not a great watch.

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The Telegraph's Luke Edwards believes Manchester United's performance against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light was "a reminder of how bad and limp" the Red Devils can be at the moment.

Having already secured Champions League for next season, Michael Carrick's side failed to find a breakthrough away from home, with their only shot on target coming in second-half stoppage time.

"Michael Carrick said the suggestion that there is nothing to play for offended him in his post-match news conference," Edwards added on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily.

"The suggestion offended him because they are playing for a magnificent football club etc - but I do think they had switched off mentally.

"Sunderland should've won because they were the better team. They were sharper, hungrier and stronger. I do think Carrick might've just wanted to take a look at a few of his fringe players though.

"He had a little look at Mason Mount, who was neat and tidy with a few flashes but was outmuscled. He also got a look at Joshua Zirkzee up front, who has probably come to the end of being a viable option to lead the line for Manchester United.

"Their mentality is still worrying to me, if not only a slight worry because they have had a fantastic run and they are back in the Champions League.

"They just looked flaky against Sunderland and if there's still that mentality in the dressing room, it raises the question of whether they are going to let Carrick down as well.

"It showed me they are still capable of throwing up the performances they did earlier on in the season."

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said: "I would agree. When you are Manchester United boss, you cannot be saying a point at Sunderland is good. I still don't understand what they are waiting for to give him this job, though."

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Manchester United have dismissed suggestions that Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo, 23, could be allowed to leave this summer. (Teamtalk), external

Italy full-back Andrea Cambiaso has emerged as an option for Arsenal, Liverpool and United as Juventus could make the 26-year-old available for transfer this summer. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Sam Ashoo
Final Score reporter

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It is fair to say Joshua Zirkzee's short career at Manchester United has lacked any sort of consistency.

Sunderland was his first start since December and was an opportunity to remind United fans that there's still a player there capable of wearing the shirt on a more regular basis. But it was not to be.

Zirkzee had just 25 touches - the least of any starter on the pitch - and one of which was a wayward pass aimed at Bruno Fernandes.

If nothing else, you expect to see urgency from a player who has featured so little, especially when playing in front of some of the country's most passionate away supporters.

Manchester United may well see these last few games as a chance to advertise Zirkzee in the proverbial 'shop window', but this was not a performance that will command a high price tag.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says the club need to decide quickly whether to appoint Michael Carrick as their permanent manager, as the uncertainty could lead to difficulty when trying to sign players in the summer.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens is happy with the way his debut season has gone at Old Trafford but accepts he still has lots to learn.

Lammens arrived from Royal Antwerp for £18.1m in September as a relative unknown to most supporters.

He was coveted by United's scouts though. They pushed to sign him ahead of Ruben Amorim's preferred option of Emi Martinez and while he watched three games from the bench as Altay Bayindir continued as first choice to the end of September, one Lammens got his chance, there was no looking back.

Until his error against Liverpool last weekend, the 23-year-old had barely made a mistake and earned more praise for his outstanding performance in keeping Sunderland at bay at the Stadium of Light.

Lammens is set to go to the World Cup as Thibaut Courtois' deputy for Belgium, which seemed unlikely last summer.

"I think I can be proud of the season I've been having," he said.

"I had the perfect opportunity and it was the perfect time to come into the team and to grow.

"I had a lot of things to learn and still have but in this squad, I also get the opportunity to show myself and to help the team out."

Lammens will get his first chance to experience the Champions League next season following United's rise in the table under Michael Carrick.

It is also anticipated they will do much better in the domestic cups that they managed this term, when they were knocked out at the first hurdle – they had been beaten by Grimsby in the EFL Cup before Lammens arrived at the club.

But Lammens also makes it clear this season's likely third place finish merely intended to be a step towards something better.

"It's been a very good season for me personally," he said.

"As a team as well, we've been growing and now it's about the next step.

"Next season is going to be a big one. Everyone's going to step up again because while this season was okay, it's not our end goal.

"We have to keep building on this and try to get better."

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Match of the Day pundit Ashley Williams believes Nilson Angulo should have been sent off for hitting his forearm in the side of Bruno Fernandes' face in Sunderland's 0-0 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League.

"He's a very lucky boy," said Williams. "I don't know what he's thinking.

"It's not a running action and he's clearly tried to elbow him in the face. He's caught him with the forearm.

"We've heard since that because it was the forearm and not the elbow, or it wasn't enough contact, that it's not a red card.

"It is a red card because it's a naughty challenge and he's very lucky to have not been sent off."

Pundits Wayne Rooney and Ashley Williams join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

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Interim head coach Michael Carrick has been speaking to BBC Radio Manchester and says his side had to dig deep in their 0-0 draw at Sunderland.

You can listen to the full interview above or on BBC Sounds.

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