For a club of Manchester United`s standing, a home victory against a newly promoted team is typically considered routine. However, the Red Devils` 2-0 triumph over Sunderland at Old Trafford provides significant momentum for Ruben Amorim and the squad before the international break. This match also marked Manchester United`s first clean sheet of the season, with Senne Lammens making his debut start in goal.
While Lammens only needed to make three saves, his selection underscored Amorim`s tactical adjustments. Sunderland, despite being a promoted side, is performing well, having accumulated 11 points this season (one more than Manchester United). Nevertheless, home fixtures against such opposition are expected wins, ideally secured with ease.
United established a 2-0 lead by halftime, converting a goal from a long throw and another from open play with an excellent finish, subsequently managing the match to a successful conclusion. While these actions might seem straightforward for a top-tier team, they represent areas where United faltered last season, contributing to their 15th-place finish. Furthermore, their early exit from the League Cup at the hands of Grimsby Town indicates that overcoming less formidable opponents has not been consistently easy this season.
Amorim`s significant decision to start Mason Mount ahead of Matheus Cunha proved successful. Mount not only scored with a fine finish but also contributed crucial pressing that helped contain Sunderland. Amad Diallo also impressed, appearing comfortable in the wing-back role where Patrick Dorgu has recently faced difficulties.
These positive developments offer valuable takeaways for Amorim, especially as United faces a tougher challenge against Chelsea immediately after the international break. This marked Mount`s first start for United since recovering from an injury sustained in an away win against Burnley. He has consistently been central to some of United`s strongest performances under Amorim this season, including facilitating attack from a striker role in the opening day loss to Arsenal, a trait again visible against Sunderland.
Maintaining Mount`s fitness remains a concern, but when available, Amorim must integrate him into the starting lineup. New signings like Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbuemo, and Cunha require a facilitator to link play, a role Mount, alongside Diallo, is adept at. Their collective efforts also generated space for Bruno Fernandes to attempt shots from distance, elements crucial for maximizing this squad`s potential.
With only six points separating United from league leaders Arsenal, the top half of the table remains tightly contested, offering the Red Devils an opportunity to challenge for a European qualification spot if they build momentum. While this season has occasionally felt disheartening for United fans, a string of victories can quickly alter perceptions. This particular win serves as a crucial foundation for such a positive run.
