Noah Sadiki admits Sunderland frustration and sends European qualification message after Manchester United

Noah Sadiki admitted he was “gutted” after missing the chance to score his first Premier League goal in Sunderland’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

The midfielder produced another impressive all-round performance at the Stadium of Light, but was left frustrated after being denied twice by Senne Lammens as Régis Le Bris’ side missed the chance to claim a statement win.

Sadiki had Sunderland’s clearest chance of the first half when he burst through on goal after a brilliant Enzo Le Fée pass, only for Lammens to produce a strong save. He later had another opportunity as Sunderland pushed hard for a breakthrough.

Speaking after the game, Sadiki told Premier League Productions: “We’re really disappointed. We had the chances to win it. I had two of them. I feel gutted to know that I couldn’t finish my chances and help the team. I don’t even know what I was thinking about when I was clean through on goal - I need to do much better.”

Sunderland were excellent for long spells and looked the better side against a Manchester United team sitting third in the Premier League table. Brian Brobbey was also denied by Lammens after the break, while Lutsharel Geertruida struck the post as the Black Cats were forced to settle for a point.

Sadiki, though, felt the display showed Sunderland’s progress after a difficult previous outing. He said: “To produce a performance like that shows we’re improving day by day in the Premier League. That performance was a response for the fans - but it wasn’t enough because we didn’t get three points.”

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The result moved Sunderland onto 48 points with two games remaining, with faint European hopes still alive heading into the final stages of the campaign. Sadiki added: “We need to win the last two games and we’ll see what happens for Europe.”

The draw leaves Sunderland 12th, level with both Everton and Fulham and three points behind Brentford in eighth. Any European push still looks a long shot, but Le Bris’ side remain in the mix. Sunderland finish the season away to Everton before hosting Chelsea.

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