Reds relieve pressure on boss with comfortable win
Goals in the first half from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko gave United an ultimately comfortable win against promoted Sunderland. It eases some of the pressure on the shoulders of Ruben Amorim. It also had the boost of a clean sheet on the debut of Senne Lammens.
The visitors were generally second best despite having made a strong start to the campaign. They were left struggling to cope with the movement and pace down the right for most of the first period. They did have some moments late on but were forced to leave empty handed.
Amorim made five changes from the disappointing loss to Brentford last time out. Senne Lammens made his first start after joining on deadline day. Mason Mount, Casemiro, Amad, and Leny Yoro all joined him in the side. Matheus Cunha, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu, Harry Maguire, and Altay Bayinder all dropped to the bench. Regis Le Brie brought in Bertrand Traore and Simon Adringa ahead of Chris Rigg and Chemsdine Talbi from the side who won at Forest.
Given the recent attack at a synagogue on Thursday, a minutes silence was impecably observed. It was crucial that the home side begun with convinction after their poor start against Brentford. Sunderland had the first attack but Bertrand Traore failed to connect to Simon Adringa’s low cross. The latter had been offside anyway. The likes of Mason Mount, Amad and Bryan Mbuemo were linking up well down their visitors right hand side and causing issues to the Black Cats backline.
And it was two of these who landed the opening goal within the opening 10 minutes. Mbuemo was released out wide and sent in a cross to Mount in the centre. The English midfielder took it down smartly before using Omar Alderete as a shield to sweep his shot into the back of the net. He acknowledged the character shown by the side after.
Confidence was up and Sunderland were indebted to Robin Roefs for keeping them in the game. He saved well from Amad and Mbuemo before he tipped a curling effort from Bruno Fernandes onto the post.
He was helpless to prevent Utd doubling their lead on 20 minutes. Diogo Dalot launched a long throw into the penalty area which took a touch off the head of Nordi Mukiele. Benjamin Sesko was alert to the danger to sidefoot home his second goal in two games.
The Sunderland manager saw that his system was not working and made a change shortly after. They went to a five at the back which afforded them more protection and made some moments prior to the break. Senne Lammens was forced into action to palm away a drive from Granit Xhaka prior to a confident catch on a long ball.
He could have faced a penalty as the break approached after Sesko was adjudged to have taken down with a high boot. VAR decided otherwise to his relief.
The second half was short on action in contrast. Brian Brobbey was slow to react to a dangerous cross from Mukiele. Subsititute Matheus Cunha should perhaps have done better with his header from a Fernandes corner. Casemiro also skied his effort after good work from Amad.
The clean sheet was secured in the final minute after an enterprising break from the away side. Chemsdine Talbi was released on the edge of the area. He shot straight at the new Utd keeper but he was in the right place at the right time. United fans applauded the keeper cheekily comparing him to former great Peter Schmeichel.
Three home wins in a row for the reds on Ruben’s 50th game in charge. It will provide a degree of confidence ahead of the international break. It is a huge game on the return at Anfield on 19th of October. Sunderland take on struggling Wolves the day before.
Manchester United: Senne Lammens; Amad Diallo, Leny Yoro (Harry Maguire 85), Mathijs de Ligt, Luke Shaw; Diogo Dalot (Patrick Dorgu 64), Carlos Casemiro (Manuel Ugarte 85), Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbuemo (Kobee Mainoo 85); Mason Mount (Matheus Cunha 64), Benjamin Sesko.
Subs not used: Altay Bayinder, Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon, Joshua Zirkzee.
Booked: Carlos Casemiro (81).
Sent off: None
Sunderland: Robin Roefs; Arthur Masuaku (Chemsdine Talbi 58), Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele; Trai Hume (Lutsharel Geertruida 79), Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka, Simon Adingra (Daniel Ballard 37), Enzo Le Fee; Bertrand Traore (Eliezer Mayenda 58), Wilson Isidor (Brian Brobbey 58).
Subs not used: Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil, Luke O’ Nein, Chris Rigg.
Booked: Omar Alderete (29), Noah Sadiki (35), Bertrand Traore (57), Granit Xhaka (76)
Sent off: None
Referee: Stuart Atwell
Attendance: 70,014
Simply Red Player of the Match: Benjamin Sesko
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