Sunderland

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A "third summer of consecutive major transformation" in infrastructure at Sunderland carries with it an "element of risk", says former Black Cats striker Marco Gabbiadini.

The proposed developments include multi-million pound investment in stadium infrastructure, premium executive boxes, a new LED perimeter advertising system, and investment being made in the Academy of Light to further develop elite performance environments for the men's teams, the women's team and the academy teams.

The club say the changes are "designed to enhance experience for supporters, players, partners and staff".

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Gabbiadini said: "We had massive job cuts after the first relegation and even bigger ones on the second relegation,"

"This is basically just getting the club back up to where it was at that stage and probably a little bit more as well.

"So, you know, the sad reality is that if we did get relegated, a lot of these jobs would go again.

"I suppose the way to think for the leadership group is that if we get all this stuff right, if we get more substance in what's going on behind the scenes, then it's not just about the players.

"You've got to really believe that you're still going to be in at the status that we are in at the moment so there is an element of risk to it.

"I know that it was very upsetting for a lot of people because obviously a lot of the staff are local and when when those two relegations happened they really affected a lot of people and ripped the heart out of the football club for a long time.

"It wasn't just people working there, I know a lot of fans stopped going to games and didn't renew season tickets and haven't been back.

"I think now they're looking at it with the advent of parachute payments with the infrastructure they're building and their assumption would be if the worst came to the worst and they were relegated then, like most Premier League teams who have gone down in recent years, they would come back within one or two years."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

Reporter James Copley says he "couldn't have predicted Sunderland to do this well" in their first season back in the Premier League since the 2016–17 season, as Regis le Bris' team occupy 12th in the table.

The Sunderland Echo journalist believes the Black Cats have had "an amazing season" and highlighted some of his favourite moments.

Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Copley said: "It's been absolutely fantastic, it's been unbelievable.

"There has been so many great moments. I don't think we could have predicted Sunderland to do this well at the start of the season.

"It has been an amazing season with so many high points.

"The two wins over Newcastle were very special. I could go back to the opening day against West Ham, that was a fantastic result and performance, a real feel-good factor around the Stadium of Light.

"Other highlights were Arsenal, 2-2 at home, that was a really good display. Bournemouth as well, that was a really special atmosphere. Chelsea away was fantastic, there's been a lot.

"They've delivered a lot this season and they deserve an immense amount of credit, the staff and the players deserve the plaudits."

Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds or by clicking play on the clip above

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Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini gave his thoughts on the side's performance against Manchester United at the weekend and lamented the lack of clinical finishing.

The Black Cats have failed to score in 13 of their 36 Premier League games, only Wolves (19) and Nottingham Forest (14) have failed to score more often in the Premier League this season.

"It's a strange one because you're sort of pleased with the performance and I thought every player played a part and as a team they were excellent but they just couldn't find that final touch because that's what it was," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"We got into great positions, we got in behind the defence, we rattled them, we played forward quickly, we did just about everything right except unfortunately the hardest bit of football and that's putting it in the back of the net. It could have been a very different result because there were three or four really good chances but that's why goal scorers are so highly cherished."

Brian Brobbey is Sunderland's top scorer in the league this season with six goals while Chemsdine Talbi has four.

Gabbiadini added: "I was watching Callum Wilson for West Ham. He comes on and within a couple of minutes he's had a couple of shots on target and caused problems. Players like that just have it in them that they want to go for goal. It's the desire to get in the right position and finish it off.

"Brobbey got clear through and if you watch it back on slow motion he should have hit it. He sort of took another stride and if he had hit it before that stride he would have beat the goalkeeper because the goalkeeper was adjusting his feet and that's the instinct I think that real goal scorers have. What a [Jermain] Defoe would have."

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Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.

In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.

Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".

You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating: "Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"

• Listen to the show in full on BBC Sounds

• Watch the show in full on iPlayer

Gavin Henderson
Fan writer

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Sunderland really couldn't have done much more against Manchester United on Saturday in what was a thoroughly dominant performance - that is, of course, except hit the back of the net!

It's been a common frustration of mine with the team at times this season that we aren't quite as clinical as other sides at this level. If you think back to the game against Nottingham Forest a few weeks ago, they'd had five shots on target in the first half and were 4-0 up. It feels like with us that we need five or six clear-cut chances in a game in order to stick one of them away and at this level that's just not good enough unfortunately.

Yet I don't want to be too critical of the team's performance because other than our ability to convert our chances, we were excellent. There was only ever one team in the game, and I don't remember Manchester United ever really having a spell of dominance, which is a testament to how well we did.

Enzo Le Fee and Granit Xhaka were on a different wavelength from any of the midfield players in opposition shirts and our pressing and harrying made them visibly uncomfortable. It was great to see us mixing it with one of the best sides in the league this season and it was once again proof of what we're capable of.

Any hopes of qualifying for Europe seem a distant memory, but all we can do is fight and battle like we did on Saturday in these final two games and from then our fate is in the lap of the gods.

We certainly aren't on the beach yet and I'm hoping for a brilliant end to what has been a brilliant season from Sunderland.

Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report, external

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Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini believes that Regis le Bris' side could still be in with a chance of finishing in the European places, despite sitting 12th in the table.

"A lot of teams are fighting and playing each other in this little middle group and no-one wants to give an inch so if we did win the last two games, it could make a huge difference," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

There could be up to nine Premier League clubs in Europe next season - six in the Champions League, two in the Europa League and one in the Conference League.

"It's still there for us as a carrot but it is a little bit disappointing. When we look back in a few months' time at the way the season went, we have just faded away a little bit towards the end," added Gabbiadini.

The Black Cats have won 12, drawn 12 and lost 12 of their 36 matches this term since returning to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

"We've got this small squad that the manager likes to use. Once it goes deeper than that, sometimes we have got issues. He hasn't got three or four strikers to choose from who have played in the Premier League before and got experience," said Gabbiadini.

"They are the bits that we have got to improve on. We haven't got a Callum Wilson or a Harvey Barnes to come off the bench. If we had players like that, they would probably be starting - that's the difference between us and an established Premier League side.

"We've established a great foothold in the Premier League and made it look easy staying up this season, but the next step is to score a few more goals."

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Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki has not ruled out leaving the Stadium of Light this summer. (Voetbal Nieuws - in Dutch), 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.

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka says they "should be proud" of what they have achieved this season as the primary aim was to just stay up.

Following Saturday's goalless draw against Manchester United, there has been a lot of media talk around the Black Cats lack of a clinical edge.

When asked by BBC Radio Newcastle if they have struggled to score goals this season, Xhaka replied: "Is it enough if you get 48 points? Don't forget where we have come from.

"The demands from the outside is big and we are demanding of each other as well to score goals and not concede many.

"This is our first season together with many new faces. It takes time, so we just have to be proud of what are doing at the moment because we are having a great season.

"The target was to survive, get as many points as possible and see where we were at the end.

"Now in the last two games we want to give everything and be proud of ourselves."

Listen to Xhaka on BBC Sounds

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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:

• Fulham 0-1 Bournemouth

• Sunderland 0-0 Manchester United

• Manchester City 3-0 Brentford

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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If any side deserved to win, it was Sunderland.

Regis le Bris' side have now kept 11 clean sheets - an impressive return for a newly promoted side, and a major reason why they have stayed well clear of relegation trouble and even flirted with the European spots. On this occasion, they deserve more praise because key man Dan Ballard was missing through suspension.

What they lack is a clinical edge.

Lutsharel Geertruida's shot was impressive, but it was Noah Sadiki who should have scored.

The game was still in its infancy when the Manchester United goal gaped in front of him. But he never truly looked as though he would come out on top in his one-to-one duel with Lammens. Sadiki tried to find the corner, but Senne Lammens read where the Congo international was going to go.

For the final couple of weeks, Sunderland's ambition will be to finish above Newcastle, who are three points behind with a game in hand.

After that, Le Bris will look to improve on what has been a solid and very successful top-flight return.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We probably created enough chances to win the game, but chances don't always mean goals. When we got the momentum and the chances, we weren't clinical enough.

"The Premier League is very demanding so when you don't score, you are always on the edge. But, overall, I think the lads did well.

"We have many young lads so it is about experience and maturity, I think, in terms of finishing chances off. For example, Noah [Sadiki]'s one in the first half was brilliant, but it wasn't the usual situation for him so he wasn't so confident, but I think it's going to be a good platform for the future."

On getting a clean sheet: "It was important to be back to our foundations. Over the past two weeks, the boys were excellent during our training sessions. They were committed with a strong togetherness, and we are always hard to beat when we have this mindset. I think it's a positive for our future as well.

"We were well-prepared for this game. We know that every team has many game changes in this league, especially Manchester United, so if you're not alert then they will punish you. From the last game at home, it was tough but the experience was useful."

On finding a solution to replace Dan Ballard: "We aren't a big group but the core of this group is really good. We have versatility and the ability to adapt. We also showed that even if we need to change our backline, we can be strong."

On being frustrated with only getting a draw: "It is a good sign, especially for our first year in the Premier League after eight years. It's good, it shows our season has been excellent so far. If we're disappointed at home after a draw against Manchester United, it is a good sign for the club."

Listen to Le Bris on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Sunderland have earned 48 points in the Premier League this season (W12 D12 L12), only earning more in a campaign in the competition in 1999-00 (58) and 2000-01 (57).

• Sunderland have failed to score in 13 of their 36 games - only Wolves (19) and Nottingham Forest (14) have failed to score more often in the Premier League this season.

• Only against Everton in November and Newcastle in March (both 17) have Sunderland attempted more shots in a Premier League match this season than their 15 against Manchester United.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Sunderland's performance

What did you make of Man Utd's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Dan Ballard is suspended after getting sent off for pulling Tolu Arokodare's hair at Wolves last week.

Lutsharel Geertruida replaces Ballard in central defence as the only change from the draw at Molineux.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Mukiele, Geertruida, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Hume, Le Fee, Talbi, Brobbey.

Substitutes: Ellborg, Cirkins, Angula, Rigg, Mayenda, O'Nien, Isidor, Diarra, Bi.

Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko both miss out for Manchester United as Michael Carrick makes five changes to the side that beat Liverpool.

Manuel Ugarte is absent as well, so Kobbie Mainoo takes up a deeper midfield role and Mason Mount starts in the Premier League for the first time since December.

Lisandro Martinez is back after a three-game ban, while Noussair Mazraoui replaces Diogo Dalot at right-back and Joshua Zirkzee starts his fifth Premier League game of the season.

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Mainoo, Mount, Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Zirkzee.

Substitutes: Bayindir, Dalot, Malacia, Dorgu, Heaven, Yoro, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Mbeumo.

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Liverpool v Chelsea (12:30)

• Brighton v Wolves

• Fulham v Bournemouth - listen BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Sunderland v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City v Brentford (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Bournemouth" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Brentford", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Last Sunday's win over Liverpool was another big result for Manchester United boss Michael Carrick, especially because it secured Champions League qualification.

People forget what a rabble United were when he took over as head coach in January and he has brought a bit of calmness to the club.

United have got to make a decision about his future at the end of the season and can you imagine if they don't give him the job on a long-term basis? Mind you, I wouldn't be sure about United given some of the decisions they have made in the recent past.

In terms of this game, going to Sunderland is still a tough game - even though the Black Cats were walloped 5-0 by Nottingham Forest last time out at the Stadium of Light.

I keep backing Sunderland and keep being wrong about them. Their minds may be on the beach a bit, but I can see them getting a point here.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland welcome Manchester United to the Stadium of Light on Saturday (15:00 BST) as they continue their push for a European place, while the visitors arrive with Champions League qualification already secured.

Can Sunderland's resilient defence withstand United?

Sunderland's first season back in the Premier League has been built on organisation and discipline, even if recent heavy defeats have tested that foundation. Regis Le Bris's side remain one of the division's more reliable defensive units, with 10 clean sheets underlining their structure.

They have also shown a habit of finishing strongly. Five goals in the final 10 minutes of home matches have earned valuable points, including a late win over Brentford and a draw with Arsenal.

The Black Cats will, however, be without suspended centre-back Dan Ballard after his red card against Wolves – a significant absence for a team that relies heavily on cohesion at the back.

Can United maintain form against bottom half opposition?

Manchester United travel north on the back of three straight wins, including completing a league double over Liverpool. Under head coach Michael Carrick, they have looked composed in high-pressure fixtures - also beating Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Their long-standing issue remains consistency against sides who sit deeper. United have won 10 out of 17 matches against top-half opponents, but only eight of 18 against those in the bottom half of the table, despite creating more chances.

History leans heavily towards the Red Devils, with Sunderland winning only three of their 33 Premier League meetings.

Bruno Fernandes again carries much of United's creative responsibility. The captain is one assist short of matching the Premier League season record of 20 held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

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If you offered Sunderland fans the chance to be safely mid-table with three games to spare in the Premier League season, they would have bitten your hand off.

With relegation long out of the question and recent form making European qualification increasingly unlikely, Regis Le Bris' side don't have much resting on their final matches.

One player to watch in the run-in, though, is former Ballon D'or nominee Granit Xhaka, who is in the debate for signing of the season.

The Swiss midfielder has dictated play and used his experience to lead Sunderland, but has contributed less in front of goal - only scoring once this season in November's draw with Everton.

However, Xhaka holds an impressive record against Saturday's opponents Manchester United (15:00 BST). He has scored more goals from outside the area against them - three - than anyone else.

Could the former Arsenal midfielder add to his tally of screamers against Michael Carrick's side on Saturday, or will the Black Cats extend their 28-match winless run against sides starting the day in the top four of the Premier League (D9 L19)?

You have to go back as far as the Gus Poyet days with a 2-1 win against Chelsea in April 2014 for the last time Sunderland beat a top four team.

BBC Radio Newcastle's Simon Pryde and former striker Marco Gabbiadini discuss the winners at the Sunderland Supporters Association end of season awards.

Gabbiadini said: "I think player of the season awards are really important. I managed to have a couple of those and it's something I look back on with great pride because a football season is a long time.

"That consistency, always having the right attitude, turning up and not letting your standards slip, is really important. Most of the players do that but you have to have a bit of a standout too."

The former Sunderland striker said Granit Xhaka, who was named Player of the Year, has been "absolutely brilliant" and hopes he's "got a few more years in him".

Robin Roefs was named Young Player of the Year and Gabbiadini added: "I think Chris Rigg has had an impact on the season to do what he has done in the Premier League but Roefs obviously has played a lot more games and especially early in the season, he was a revelation. I think he earned the trust of his manager and the rest of the team."

Hear the full list of winners, including goal of the season, below or listen on BBC Sounds

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Success in Europe for Aston Villa and Crystal Palace has a knock-on impact on what Premier League finish may be required to qualify for continental competition next season.

A host of clubs can still dream of a European adventure but the picture is ever changing.

Given the complexity, BBC Sport has unpicked the latest permutations on what might be required to play in Europe next season

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The Sunderland fans remember 13 May 2012, judging by the song they sang at Old Trafford during their 2-0 defeat by United in October.

"You thought it was yours, you thought it was yours, we heard you singing, then Sergio scored."

It is the kind of harmless banter commonplace at football grounds across the country and is bound to be given a few renditions on Saturday, for what is only United's sixth Premier League visit since that famous day.

What makes this trip stand out is that Michael Carrick was one of those to suffer, along with Jonny Evans, who is now part of his coaching team.

The pair are part of the video footage of the aftermath, both applauding the away support, Carrick in discussion with Ashley Young, trying to dissect what had happened.

Time heals of course. Carrick was part of the side that won at Sunderland the following year on the way to a historic 20th title.

But come Saturday, one suspects the gnawing memory would make winning there again just that little bit more satisfying.

"Obviously, it was a one-off kind of feeling," said Carrick. "It wasn't during the game, it wasn't until after.

"I didn't really know exactly where the land was lying at that point. It wasn't until we walked towards the edge of the pitch and had to deal with what was thrown out.

"It's in the past, but, yeah, it definitely sticks in the memory."

• Read about the Sunderland rivalry