Amad Diallo spotted in Sunderland talks as fans send clear Lutsharel Geertruida transfer message to Régis Le Bris

Sunderland returned to Premier League action against Manchester United at the Stadium of Light, looking to respond after their previous outing and continue what has still been a hugely encouraging season back in the top flight.

The Black Cats went into the game 12th in the table, with 47 points from 35 matches, while Manchester United arrived on Wearside sitting third with 64 points from the same number of games. It was another major test for Régis Le Bris’ side against one of the division’s form teams, but also another measure of how far Sunderland have come.

Historically, this is a fixture Manchester United have controlled more often than not. United had won 66 of the previous meetings between the clubs, with 38 draws and 42 Sunderland victories, though the Black Cats have still had some memorable days against the Old Trafford side over the years.

Their last league meeting at the Stadium of Light came during Sunderland’s relegation season under David Moyes, when United ran out 3-0 winners, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was among the scorers. As ever, plenty was going on before, during and after the game that might not have been obvious at first glance. Here are the moments you may have missed:

Respect between Sunderland and Manchester United

There were a couple of nice pre-match moments in the tunnel before kick-off, with Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka and Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes sharing a warm hug before the teams made their way out.

It underlined the respect between the two midfielders, who were always likely to be central figures once the game got underway. There was also a handshake between the two goalkeepers, Robin Roefs and Senne Lammens.

Sunderland start on the front foot, VAR drama and Amad reaction

Sunderland began aggressively, pressing Manchester United high in the opening minutes and trying to unsettle the visitors early. That pressure brought a few encouraging moments, including one six minutes in when Fernandes misplaced a pass straight out for a throw-in under pressure, much to the amusement of the Sunderland supporters.

Not long after, the Black Cats could have taken the lead. Noah Sadiki burst through after a lovely ball from Enzo Le Fée, only for Lammens to produce a strong save. Amad received a smattering of boos from some Sunderland fans during the first half, particularly when he whistled an effort wide of Roefs’ goal.

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There was also a Sunderland penalty appeal for handball, with VAR checking the incident before deciding not to award it. On balance, the decision was fair, but after 20 minutes, Sunderland had made the better start and looked the more threatening side.

Tactical chat and Isidor applause

The 23rd minute brought a couple of interesting little moments away from the main action. Reinildo and Nordi Mukiele were deep in conversation on the pitch, with what looked like a pretty intense tactical discussion between the pair as Sunderland tried to stay organised against Manchester United’s wide threat.

At almost the same time, Wilson Isidor came out to warm up and was greeted with loud applause from the Sunderland supporters. The striker returned it by clapping the fans above his head, despite being heavily linked with a move away from the club.

Amad reception shifts and Roefs scare before the break

After receiving a smattering of boos earlier in the half, Amad was applauded by Sunderland fans in the Roker End when he came across to take a corner in the 27th minute. One banner in the home end at the Stadium of Light read “Welcome home, Amad.” It was a nice shift in tone and perhaps more in line with the reception many expected, given his previous connection with the club and his comments about Sunderland in the build-up to the game.

Sunderland continued to create chances as the half wore on and could count themselves unfortunate not to be ahead at the interval. There was a concern just before the break when Robin Roefs went down awkwardly after slipping, with his leg appearing to give way underneath him. Thankfully for Sunderland, the goalkeeper was able to continue. Manchester United finished the half a little stronger, but Le Bris’ side had dominated large spells of the opening 45 minutes and were unlucky to go in goalless.

Brobbey denied before Geertruida hits post and Amad ovation

There was an interesting tactical tweak from Sunderland in the second half as Manchester United started to show signs of improvement after the break. Geertruida moved into the middle at times, with Trai Hume dropping back to right-back. It was another example of the flexibility within Régis Le Bris’ side, with Sunderland trying to adjust as the visitors began to find a little more rhythm.

Sunderland had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 65th minute when Brian Brobbey was played through by Le Fée, only for Lammens to produce an excellent save. Five minutes later, Geertruida went even closer. The Dutchman drifted into a central position and struck the post, with Sunderland again left wondering how they had not found the breakthrough.

Amad was given a standing ovation by Sunderland supporters when he was substituted in the second half. There were also songs from the Roker End for the former Sunderland loanee, rounding off a warm reception after his comments about the club in the build-up to the game.

Fernandes left frustrated as Roefs comes to the rescue

There was a late flashpoint with three minutes to play when Fernandes was left furious with Nilson Angulo. The Manchester United captain appeared unhappy after it looked as though the Sunderland winger had caught him with a forearm during a challenge, but nothing was given, and play continued. Moments later, Le Bris made another attacking change, with Hume replaced by Eliezer Mayenda as Sunderland continued to push for a winner rather than simply settle for a point.

Manchester United did have a late chance to snatch it, but Roefs came to Sunderland’s rescue with an important intervention in the closing stages. There was still time for Matheus Cunha to be booked for diving before the game finished goalless, with Sunderland forced to settle for a 0-0 draw despite producing one of their strongest performances in recent weeks. Referee Stuart Atwell was booed off the pitch at the end of the game.

Amad and Luke O’Nien deep in conversation

There was another nice Amad moment after the final whistle, with the Manchester United winger pictured deep in conversation with former Sunderland teammate Luke O’Nien. The pair embraced and chatted on the pitch after the 0-0 draw.

The Roker End also made their feelings known late on, singing “sign him up” in the direction of Geertruida after the Dutchman’s impressive return to the side. Given the uncertainty around his future, it was a notable little moment at the end of an afternoon when he gave Sunderland plenty to think about.

Your next Sunderland read: James Copley’s notebook: Ghisolfi-Speakman differences, secret friendly and non-league support