Summer Star Delivers Under Pressure as Man Utd Crush Sunderland, Lifting Weight Off Amorim's Shoulders
Manchester United delivered a commanding display in their 2–0 triumph against Sunderland at Old Trafford, relieving some tension around Ruben Amorim's position before the international hiatus.
The Red Devils came into Saturday's match amid mounting difficulties, but began ideally to calm anxieties. Mason Mount, who took Matheus Cunha's place in the starting eleven, delivered a superb touch and strike just within the box to provide United with a vital opener.
The home side were keen to build on their positive beginning and pressed hard for another goal. Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo both compelled Robin Roefs into spectacular stops, with the Sunderland shot-stopper then deflecting Bruno Fernandes' sublime attempt against the woodwork before Amad nodded the follow-up off target with an open net beckoning.
United would eventually extend their lead, though, as Benjamin Šeško contributed another to his tally. Having broken his scoring drought in the loss at Brentford, the Slovenian was positioned perfectly to finish from short distance after Casemiro's lengthy delivery and establish a comfortable margin between the Red Devils and their opponents.
Sunderland seemed to receive a lifeline in first-half injury time when Stuart Attwell granted them a spot-kick for a high boot from Šeško, but the official overturned his call after consulting the screen as the United striker clearly avoided any contact with Trai Hume's head.
United maintained their dominance following the interval, keeping Sunderland contained while creating some fluid passages at the opposite end. Mbeumo wasted their clearest chance, shooting over the target after creating space within the penalty box.
Sunderland showed little indication of a stirring late fightback, with United displaying a solid defensive showing to record their first shutout of the campaign. They completed a comfortable triumph with minimal fuss, claiming a third consecutive home success and providing Amorim with some breathing room in his role.
Man Utd Player Ratings vs. Sunderland
*Ratings provided by FotMob*
Player | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Senne Lammens | 8.6 |
CB: Leny Yoro | 7.2 |
CB: Matthijs de Ligt | 7.4 |
CB: Luke Shaw | 7.0 |
RWB: Amad Diallo | 8.1 |
CM: Casemiro | 7.5 |
CM: Bruno Fernandes | 7.7 |
LWB: Diogo Dalot | 6.7 |
RF: Bryan Mbeumo | 7.4 |
ST: Benjamin Šeško | 7.9 |
LF: Mason Mount | 7.9 |
SUB: Patrick Dorgu (64' for Dalot) | 6.6 |
SUB: Matheus Cunha (64' for Mount) | 6.3 |
SUB: Kobbie Mainoo (77' for Mbeumo) | 6.0 |
SUB: Manuel Ugarte (85' for Casemiro) | N/A |
SUB: Harry Maguire (85' for Yoro) | N/A |
Subs not used: Altay Bayındır (GK), Ayden Heaven, Diego León, Joshua Zirkzee.
Player of the Match: Senne Lammens
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Robin Roefs; Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Arthur Masuaku; Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki; Bertrand Traoré, Enzo Le Fée, Simon Adingra; Wilson Isidor.
Subs: Anthony Patterson (GK), Daniel Ballard, Luke O'Nien, Lutsharel Geertruida, Daniel Neil, Chris Rigg, Chemsdine Talbi, Brian Brobbey, Eliezer Mayenda.