Manchester United will head into the international break with smiles on their faces after Rúben Amorim’s men defeated Sunderland 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Rúben Amorim chose to hand Senne Lammens his debut in goal as Manchester United hosted Sunderland at Old Trafford during a rainy Premier League affair.
The tie started with United very much on the front foot, and it did not take long for the home side to secure the lead through a lovely touch and finish by Mason Mount. Amorim’s men continued to dominate, although Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs made some stunning saves to keep them out.
With 30 minutes on the clock, Benjamin Šeško added a second with a close-range finish, and although Sunderland thought they had a penalty just before half-time, it was overruled after an on-field review.
In the second half, both teams were vying for control. Amorim sent on Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Matheus Cunha to refresh United’s left flank, and although the side continued to push for a third, one never came.
However, solid defending from the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw, as well as a good save at the end by debutant goalkeeper Lammens, made sure United kept their first clean sheet of the season and added three much-needed Premier League points to the board.
#1 – That’s why managers love Mount
Mount’s opening goal for the Reds was only his third Premier League strike since joining United a few seasons ago, but it was the rest of his display that really impressed on Saturday afternoon.
Starting ahead of Cunha, the English midfielder was energetic, inventive, and always looking to combine with his teammates, which Amorim will much appreciate.
While the 26-year-old has not lived up to expectations at United in terms of consistency and goal contributions, it’s very clear why, when fit, United’s head coach and others he has played under are such fans of his.
#2 – Amad and Mbeumo’s partnership is growing
With Amad primarily moving to a wing-back position since Bryan Mbeumo’s arrival, there were initially questions about how this partnership would evolve, as both players are attack-first archetypes.
However, against Sunderland, the duo worked brilliantly. At times, it was Amad who was driving with the ball, while Mbeumo offered support out wide, and at other moments, it was the former who provided Mbeumo with runs when the Cameroon international was in control.
If the duo can consistently click on the right-hand side, this will significantly help turn the club’s form around and make them a more dangerous side.
#3 – Lammens was calm on his debut
Making his first start for United, Lammens initially looked very at home in the opening minutes of the game, playing short and long passes with ease on both feet.
When coming out and successfully claiming a cross towards the end of the first half, a roar of cheers and applause erupted at Old Trafford, no doubt in slight irony considering the woes United have had with respect to crosses and claiming across the last few seasons.
He did have a shaky moment in the second half, colliding with Bruno Fernandes while trying to deal with a hanging ball affected by wind, but beyond this, the Belgian looked clean, calm, and collected when called upon.
#4 – Šeško warming up to life in Red
After netting his first goal for the club last week, Šeško’s performance against Sunderland was that of a player who is starting to properly warm up to the task at hand.
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His striker’s finish in the first half was a good instinct goal, and it’s clear he and his teammates are starting to understand each other. He played well with Fernandes and Mbeumo in particular and looked to involve his fellow Reds whenever he could.
As well, his footwork was impressive. He was great at holding up the ball, feeding others through, and making the right decision at almost every crossroads.
#5 – Didn’t kill the game, but closed it out
So much has been made of United’s leaky defence across the campaign so far, with the club surrendering leads on multiple occasions. With United 2-0 up, it is understandable that fans were still nervous.
A third goal in the second half would have killed off the game and secured a much-needed three points, but ultimately, very solid defending closed out the club’s first clean sheet of the season.
United’s next fixture will see the Reds travel to face Liverpool at Anfield, which will certainly be their toughest test of the season, but emotions will be positive at Carrington.
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