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Michael Carrick's critical error as Man Utd play out goalless draw with Sunderland

Manchester United and Sunderland played out a goalless draw on Saturday afternoon as a major issue for Michael Carrick was unearthed

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(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United's fatal flaw was exposed on Saturday afternoon as they stumbled through a 0-0 draw with Sunderland.

The Red Devils have been resurgent under Michael Carrick this calendar year - but a huge problem was exposed with their team at the Stadium of Light. United simply don't have the strength in depth at the moment.

Carrick was without Benjamin Sesko and Casemiro - with Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee coming in - and without their star pair United looked void of ideas. It's an issue that needs to be addressed over the summer, with United set to return to Europe.

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(Image: Getty Images)

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Sunderland had a number of good chances, but United's defence held firm. It looked to be the order of the day for United to try and hit the Black Cats on the counter.

It's a tactic that has worked so well for them against top sides such as Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool - but they have continually employed against opposition they really should be beating.

Saturday was yet another example - and it's a tactic that could come to bite the Red Devils is Carrick does put pen-to-paper on a deal in the summer.

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(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

"90 mins sat behind the ball defending against Sunderland and looking to play on the counter. Carrick what is this lmao," one fan fumed.

"Thinking maybe just maybe Carrick and the players know hes not getting the job next season," a second admitted. While a third shared: "Carrick football against teams who know how to sit back..."

And another added: "Is this the Michael Carrick some fans want handed the Manchester United job permanently? No shots on target against newly Promoted Sunderland? Amorim did better here!"

The Red Devils secured a return to the Champions League last weekend, after beating Liverpool - and they are now cruising to the Premier League finish line.

Carrick's side welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford on Saturday before a trip to Brighton on the final day of the season.

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