Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim can finally breathe a sigh of relief after his Red Devils side secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Sunderland at the Theatre of Dreams, a result that eases the mounting pressure on the Portuguese coach heading into the international break.
First-half strikes from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko, their inaugural home goals for the club, powered United to a much-needed win, lifting them to eighth place in the Premier League table with 10 points. Sunderland, despite the loss, remain in a respectable sixth position.
The game was settled in a dominant first period for the home side. Mount, making his first start since August, repaid Amorim’s faith in the 8th minute, capping an 18-pass move with a brilliant first touch and a sweeping volley into the bottom corner.
United’s attacking threat, particularly through the impressive Amad Diallo on the right flank, continued to test Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs, who pulled off several spectacular saves, including tipping a fierce Bruno Fernandes curler onto the crossbar. However, the Dutchman was finally beaten again on the half-hour mark when Sesko instinctively sidefooted home from close range after a Diogo Dalot throw-in deflected off Nordi Mukiele.
Sunderland, who adjusted their formation to match United’s 3-4-3 system, did not go down without a fight. They saw a contentious penalty award for a challenge on Trai Hume overturned by VAR before substitute Dan Ballard headed just wide from the subsequent corner.
The second half was a cagey affair, with the Black Cats pushing for a response. Debutant United keeper Senne Lammens, however, proved a solid wall, ensuring United’s first clean sheet of the season with a late save from Chemsdine Talbi.
The victory will validate Amorim’s defensive stance on his 3-4-3 formation. The next major test for the Red Devils will be the titanic clash against rivals Liverpool on October 19. For now, the Kenyan faithful can celebrate a much-needed win for the Manchester giants.
By Samson Jura
