It was a case of ‘job done’ for Manchester United at Sunderland.
The Red Devils ran out 2-0 winners, a predictable outcome as the ten-man Black Cats never really got near them.
Seb Larsson’s red card was debatable, but ultimately, he did go in over the top on Ander Herrera.
Perhaps the biggest talking point of the game from a United point of view was Jose Mourinho’s decision to start Luke Shaw.
It’s no secret that the manager isn’t the left back’s biggest fan. However, after helping his side to win a penalty in midweek against Everton, he probably deserved to have some faith shown in him.
Shaw almost got things very wrong when he was booked for a clumsy tackle on Didier Ndong early on at the Stadium of Light. From that point on, however, the England international did well, making a couple of decent challenges to thwart Sunderland’s admittedly weak attack and keeping up with play down the wings.
That didn’t stop Mourinho taking him off after an hour and replacing him with Daley Blind.
Now, in Mourinho’s defence, the yellow card may have been at the forefront of his mind, as he certainly wouldn’t want Shaw to be sent off given the pressure he’s under.
United fans weren’t pleased. The main thing is for Shaw’s confidence to be built up, and taking him off isn’t going to do that.
Why you taking off Shaw FFS
— 🇿🇼🇿🇼Mark🇿🇼🇿🇼 (@macgzee) April 9, 2017
Whys he taking shaw off? He's had a very good game #sunmun
— 🇵🇰reddevils🇬🇧 (@reddevils1982) April 9, 2017
Imagine what must be going through Shaw's head right now. You play that well and you STILL get hauled off after 60 mins. Ridiculous. #MUFC
— SEUN (@Dan_Onas) April 9, 2017
Let shaw finish the game out for his confidence, take either pogba or the other donkey fellaini off
— andrew kessie (@AndrewKessie) April 9, 2017
Why bring Shaw off when he's been one of our best players? At least Jose looked pleased with him when he came off.
— Alex. (@RooneyEdition) April 9, 2017
I ain't happy with Shaw been drawn off. He's been playing on fine.
Jose and his mind games. 😔 #MUFC— Tseyyaangg (@iam_ktw) April 9, 2017
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