Following their 2-0 win over Sunderland, one pundit was critical of a Manchester United star despite playing well on the day.
Rúben Amorim handed Senne Lammens his debut in goal as Manchester United hosted Sunderland at a rain-soaked Old Trafford in Premier League action.
United started brightly and immediately took control of the game. It did not take long for the breakthrough to come, as Mason Mount produced a clever touch and a precise finish to put the hosts in front. Amorim’s side continued to dominate, although Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs made several outstanding saves to keep his team in the contest.
After 30 minutes, Benjamin Šeško doubled United’s advantage with a close-range strike. Sunderland thought they had earned a penalty just before half-time, but the decision was overturned following an on-field review.
The second half saw both sides competing for control. Amorim introduced Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Matheus Cunha to bring fresh energy to United’s left flank, and while the home side continued to press for a third goal, it never arrived.
Solid defending from Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw, along with a confident late save from debutant Lammens, ensured United kept their first clean sheet of the season and secured three valuable Premier League points.
Claim that Bryan Mbeumo is underperforming
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live at Old Trafford, former Everton and England midfielder Leon Osman reflected on Bryan Mbeumo’s performance against Sunderland, bizarrely claiming that the Cameroonian is underperforming at the moment.
He said, “I don’t think Mbeumo is comfortable at the moment. You know he will find the confidence as he gets used to Old Trafford because he is a player who has potential. Today has just not been a good day for him.”
While it’s true that the Cameroonian has had a slower start to the campaign compared to last season’s prolificness at Brentford as he adjusts to a new system, he has still been one of United’s best players so far.
The 26-year-old played in a great cross to assist Mount’s opener and worked incredibly hard both on and off the ball in the 77 minutes that he played.
Having been previously described by Amorim as ‘very important’, it’s clear to see that Mbeumo is already a fan favourite at Old Trafford, as well as a key player in the squad.
The attack is starting to click
If anything, Mbeumo is getting more comfortable in the side game by game, as the attack begins to gel following a complete revamp over the summer.
Following the signing of the Cameroonian winger, Amad has primarily been deployed in the right wing-back position. Despite both being attacking-minded players, they shared a great partnership against Sunderland, with the two offering several great off-the-ball runs to each other during the game.
Read More: Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
Last week’s loss against Brentford was the first time fans saw United’s new-look front three all start together, but it looked a bit disjointed at times. But Šeško’s maiden goal for his new club was a silver lining.
The Slovenian international carried on that momentum into this game, displaying good attacking instincts to score United’s second. What was more promising to see, however, was the improvement in the attacking link-up play, which saw the 22-year-old forward play well with players such as Mbeumo.
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