Sunderland produced a sparkling display at a gloomy Stadium of Light but had to settle for a point against Manchester United after a 0-0 draw.
With their primary objective of Champions League qualification already achieved, United knew a win would be enough to all but secure a third-place finish, but Michael Carrick’s side turned in a flat performance.
Noah Sadiki and Brian Brobbey went close as Sunderland started brightly, both registering sharp efforts on target that forced Senne Lammens into action in the first half.
United improved after the break, but the visitors were not able to translate that into much in the final third, as the Black Cats nearly took the lead when Lutsharel Geertruida saw a long-range strike rattle the base of the post.
Brobbey had earlier produced a fine shot under pressure that Lammens parried as Sunderland pushed for the opener, and the striker also saw a penalty appeal waved away after a tussle with Luke Shaw.
Led by Bruno Fernandes, United surged forward in stoppage time, where Matheus Cunha squandered two decent chances, the latter being a tame effort struck straight at Robin Roefs.
Data Debrief: United’s hot streak ends on wet Wearside
Before Saturday’s match, United had found the net in each of their last 23 Premier League games, dating back to a 1-0 home loss to Everton in November.
But that hot streak came to an end as Carrick’s side failed to impress in the final third on this occasion, producing just 0.66 expected goals (xG) from only one shot on target – Cunha’s late effort.
Sunderland, meanwhile, produced 1.17 xG and will feel unfortunate not to have taken all three points.
Brobbey was a major threat, getting two of his three attempts on target and winning all four of his aerial duels.
Still, the draw extended an encouraging campaign for the Black Cats, who have now collected 48 Premier League points this season (W12 D12 L12) – their best return in the competition since 2000-01 (57).