Wayne Rooney has highlighted a tactical change Rúben Amorim made that proved effective as Manchester United secured three Premier League points against Sunderland.
Manchester United ended their latest run of games on a high with a brilliant 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford.
Mason Mount and Benjamin Šeško both struck in the first half to seal the victory on Saturday afternoon, giving United a much-needed lift heading into the October international break.
There was also a memorable moment for Senne Lammens, who made his long-awaited debut after arriving on deadline day last summer. The Belgian keeper looked composed throughout, dealing well with crosses, making a couple of solid saves, and earning a clean sheet.
After a challenging start to the season under Rúben Amorim, this result has helped shift the mood around the club and given the squad a timely boost before the two-week pause.
Rooney points out positive tactical change
United’s first goal against Sunderland, Mount’s deft touch and finish, was the end of an 18-pass move, but for the majority of the game, Amorim’s men attempted to beat Sunderland’s press by playing long, with Lammens instructed to find Šeško.
There were other changes Amorim made, too, with United often settling into a 4-4-2 formation, with one of Mount or Bryan Mbeumo joining the Slovenian up front, while the other dropped back to help in midfield.
Former United striker and club legend Wayne Rooney praised Amorim’s recent changes, feeling that what he implemented had a positive impact on the field.
“He slightly changed it at the weekend, and he got the win,” Rooney told Sky Sports when asked about the recent result.
“He went more with two up front, which helped, went a bit more direct with the goalkeeper playing to Šeško, and it worked.
“So yeah, I think you’ve got to give him full credit because he’s said that he won’t change, but he did slightly change at the weekend — and it worked.”
Rooney hopes Amorim can turn United around
Rooney has recently become openly critical of the state of affairs at United over the last few years, admitting that he no longer has faith in Amorim to turn things around at the club. So far, the United boss has just 20 wins in his 50 games in charge, with nine draws and 21 losses to his name.
However, following the win over Sunderland and the changes Amorim made to the team, Rooney gave a calmer and hopeful answer when discussing the “fantastic” Amorim.
“Firstly, the real positive at the weekend was a good result — a big, high-pressure game, probably for the manager, the players, and the club,” Rooney continued.
“I thought they played really well. It was efficient, they kept it simple, and it was a really good victory. Listen, it hasn’t been right for a while, and when it’s not right, we all want it to work. I really do hope that Amorim does well and turns the form around because, as I said, he’s a fantastic young manager.
“But if you don’t get results, then of course the pressure is going to come on you. I really do hope he turns it around.”
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