Could players still 'let Carrick down'?

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The Telegraph's Luke Edwards believes Manchester United's performance against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light was "a reminder of how bad and limp" the Red Devils can be at the moment.

Having already secured Champions League for next season, Michael Carrick's side failed to find a breakthrough away from home, with their only shot on target coming in second-half stoppage time.

"Michael Carrick said the suggestion that there is nothing to play for offended him in his post-match news conference," Edwards added on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily.

"The suggestion offended him because they are playing for a magnificent football club etc - but I do think they had switched off mentally.

"Sunderland should've won because they were the better team. They were sharper, hungrier and stronger. I do think Carrick might've just wanted to take a look at a few of his fringe players though.

"He had a little look at Mason Mount, who was neat and tidy with a few flashes but was outmuscled. He also got a look at Joshua Zirkzee up front, who has probably come to the end of being a viable option to lead the line for Manchester United.

"Their mentality is still worrying to me, if not only a slight worry because they have had a fantastic run and they are back in the Champions League.

"They just looked flaky against Sunderland and if there's still that mentality in the dressing room, it raises the question of whether they are going to let Carrick down as well.

"It showed me they are still capable of throwing up the performances they did earlier on in the season."

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said: "I would agree. When you are Manchester United boss, you cannot be saying a point at Sunderland is good. I still don't understand what they are waiting for to give him this job, though."

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