Manchester United's performance against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon left a lot to be desired.

United failed to create really anything of significance, while Sunderland looked like the better team for large parts of the encounter.

With Benjamin Sesko and Casemiro absent, a dip in performance level was to be expected, but United still had enough quality on the pitch to get all three points.

There was flurry of half-chances at the end as United desperately looked to break the deadlock, but Sunderland stood strong to deny United of any clear cut chances.

There is no denying that Michael Carrick has done an incredible job at United so far, but if he is to be successful in the long-term, the current system must evolve.

United have never really controlled games under Carrick so far, but that is something United must start to do regularly from next season, particularly in games against lesser opposition.

The out-of-possession approach is also flawed and makes it very easy for teams to play through United's midfield. That, too, must be improved. 

The quality of job Carrick has done since coming in cannot be understated, but there is still a lot to improve before United can compete at the very top.

Senne Lammens made an uncharacteristic error, which led to Liverpool's second goal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, but the Belgian was back to his dazzling best on Saturday afternoon at the Stadium of Light.

Lammens made some impressive saves, most notably denying Noah Sadiki in a 1v1 situation in the first-half. He also pulled off another brilliant save to deny Brian Brobbey in the second-half. His performance on the ball in build-up was also very good, which will help him regain confidence after that error against Liverpool.

It is well known that United will rebuild its midfield this summer. A replacement for the outgoing Casemiro will be the priority, but United need much more than just that.

United have always looked significantly weaker without Casemiro, and that pattern continued against Sunderland. United are way too overly reliant on the Brazilian, and the same will likely go for his replacement.

With United set to return to the Champions League next season, meaning significantly more games, United must sign three midfielders this summer to ease the over-reliance on one single player.

Benjamin Sesko has enjoyed an excellent 2026 so far and will be a prominent figure in United's long-term future, but United must sign a reliable understudy for the Slovenian striker.

Bryan Mbeumo has struggled to impact games playing through the middle, and as seen again on Saturday afternoon, Joshua Zirkzee simply does not offer enough.

The Dutchman possesses some outstanding attributes but simply lacks the physical profile to succeed in England. He would thrive in Spain or Italy, where the style of football is a lot more technical and less physical, and it would therefore be beneficial for both parties to part ways this summer.

Amad is a wonderful player, but he is massively struggling right now.

He isn't playing with the same swagger and confidence he once did. He is brilliant off the ball in the high-press, but he has struggled to make a major difference on the ball this season.

His mistake, which led to Liverpool's first goal on Sunday, certainly wouldn't have helped matters, and he once again looked devoid of any self-belief on Saturday.

He will certainly be keen to see the end of this current season, so he can reset in the summer and come back fresh at the start of next season.