Michael Carrick expects a difficult outing when Manchester United return to the Stadium of Light, the report says, and he acknowledged the visit revives memories of one of his worst days as a United player.
The report says it has been 14 years since United’s final-day win at Sunderland turned into Premier League heartbreak after Sergio Aguero’s late goal at the Etihad gave Manchester City the title. United had completed a 1-0 victory at Sunderland and were awaiting confirmation of the outcome elsewhere when the dramatic turnaround was confirmed.
Carrick, who was part of United’s midfield on that day, told reporters he has not forgotten the episode and that the experience “sticks in the memory,” the report says. He described the feeling as a one-off moment that only became clear after the final whistle and as players walked toward the edge of the pitch to face the response from the crowd.
The report says United face Sunderland on Saturday with the Premier League title out of reach for the Red Devils and Champions League qualification already secured with three games remaining. Carrick indicated there is little reason for complacency, given Sunderland’s motivation to finish their return season positively.
Sunderland sit 12th after promotion via the Championship play-offs and have exceeded expectations in their return, the report says. Carrick highlighted how tight the standings are from sixth to 12th and credited the Black Cats for achieving a top-half position and pushing into contention for European qualification.
The report says United will complete their season with fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Brighton, concluding a 40-game campaign — the fewest in 111 years. Carrick praised the squad’s togetherness during a season with relatively few injuries, and said he remains conscious of giving playing opportunities to those on the periphery while aiming to finish strongly.
