A lot was expected of the tough tackling midfielder but he was one of many Toon players who were lost in the occasion.
United's midfield, five strong, was lost as the Mackems tried to run the show.
The club suffered its heaviest derby defeat since 1979, which has led some supporters to question manager Alan Pardew’s position given the club’s disappointing Premier League campaign.
The result has also left United deeper in the relegation mire.
Cheik Tiote: “It’s the worst day for the club – for the players, for the fans and for everyone.
"It was his worst defeat for me as a player.
“I’m playing for Newcastle, and to lose to Chelsea or Man United is disappointing, but not like losing to Sunderland.
“We’re never happy to lose any game, especially against Sunderland. It’s the worst thing for everybody at the club.
“I don’t think there is anything I can say to them (the fans) that would make them happy.
“To lose 3-0 at home against Sunderland is the worst thing that can happen to them.
“That’s football, but now the game is finished, and we have some important games coming up.
“On Saturday against West Brom, that will be hard as well. Now we need to win one or two games to stay in the Premier League.
“It was difficult for us. We created some chances, but we were missing spirit in the team.
“We’ve had so many games. It’s the first year we’ve played in the Europa League and the Premier League.
"Some players are tired, and we didn’t have enough energy on the pitch. We missed some spirit.
“We created chances, but we were missing some spark on the pitch, and that’s why we lost.”