<\/p>\n
Michael Carrick is determined not to \u201cover-analyse\u201d Manchester United<\/a>\u2019s needs for the future following their goalless draw at Sunderland.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A stalemate on Wearside saw the hosts have the better chances throughout the game and they almost broke the deadlock twice after the break when United goalkeeper Senne Lammens denied Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida hit the post.<\/p>\n A point keeps United third and they are now four matches unbeaten in the Premier League with two more games remaining.<\/p>\n Carrick made five changes from last weekend\u2019s victory over Liverpool, but the Red Devils struggled to really test the Black Cats, with only a stoppage-time effort from Matheus Cunha posing any real danger.<\/p>\n The win over Liverpool secured Champions League football for United and with the prospect of more matches to be played next season, Carrick insisted Saturday\u2019s performance against Sunderland will not define their future plans.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cIt\u2019s one game as well and I think to over-analyse it in terms of moving forward next season, judging the squad and judging everything on one game is certainly not what I\u2019ll do or what we\u2019ll do as a club anyway.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know the quality of the players, we know what the squad looks like and the strengths and things we need to improve on.<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly one game today doesn\u2019t change our minds in any of that.\u201d<\/p>\n Joshua Zirkzee was one of those five changes making his first start for the club since December 2025.<\/p>\n However, a quiet showing from the forward saw his only real chance of the match come in the first half, looping a header onto the roof of the net from Cunha\u2019s cross.<\/p>\n Speaking about Zirkzee\u2019s performance, Carrick said: \u201cI thought for all the boys it was just a tough game, an away game coming here which is challenging.<\/p>\n \u201cThere were certain times when Josh linked the play really well and certain times when we probably left him a little bit isolated.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s how it goes, I think he played a real part for the team. I understand it\u2019s not always easy for any player when you haven\u2019t played for a little bit to come into a game.<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly not judging any individual on just one performance today.\u201d<\/p>\n United are expected to spend big to upgrade their midfielder this summer with Casemiro set to leave the club<\/a>, and Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on their summer plans after the draw on Wearside.<\/p>\n