Ruben Amorim breathed a huge sigh of relief as Manchester United defeated Sunderland 2-0 in comfortable fashion at Old Trafford. It’s a performance – and in truth a result – that’s in sharp contrast to what Amorim and United have been used to so far this season.
After the disappointment of last weekend, the Old Trafford faithful would’ve welcomed a comfortable start for United, with Mason Mount opening the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes. It was a tidy finish from the midfielder upon his return to the starting XI, with Benjamin Sesko adding a second from close range midway through the first half. A late penalty scare threatened to derail what had been a strong first-half showing, but after a VAR review, the decision was rightly overturned.
The second half was much more tame, but in a way, that will impress Amorim even more. Rarely did United’s clean sheet come under threat, with the Red Devils having now won three consecutive home matches in the Premier League. Express Sport hands out player ratings from United’s win vs Sunderland…
Senne Lammens – 6
Perhaps a surprise inclusion in the starting XI, but the prospect of making a Premier League debut at Old Trafford didn’t seem to impact the Belgian. Wasn’t called into action too often, but whenever he was forced to get involved, he certainly looked comfortable doing so.
Leny Yoro – 7
It’s hard to forget he’s still only 19. A cool customer and a player with buckets of potential. Looked comfortable in a United backline that’s looked shaky at times so far this season.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Had been left out of the Dutch squad earlier in the week, but responded with a solid performance in the United defence.
Luke Shaw – 7
That’s seven Premier League starts in a row for the Englishman, which is one of the biggest positives from the season so far for United. Was another impressive performer in United’s backline.
Amad – 6
Hasn’t returned to the form that saw him heralded at times last season, but offered enough on the right-hand side to show he can be a serviceable member of the United squad going forward. Looked a little blunt in attack at times.
Casemiro – 6
Lasted longer than his previous Old Trafford outing against Chelsea, where he was sent off in the first half. The midfielder swept up well and helped glue attack with defence.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
There had been suggestions from some that United’s talisman ought to drop out of the starting XI, but the midfielder showed why he’s the captain with a steely performance in the middle of the park. Covered ground at both ends of the pitch and wasn’t afraid to get involved in the dirty defensive work.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Has come under criticism from United fans in recent weeks, but it was a solid performance from the Portuguese ace. Was barking orders to his team-mates throughout the game and certainly shouldered a chunk of the leadership burden that had been missing.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6
Impossible to fault his effort, with the new signing having buzzed about in the final third. On another day, he might’ve snagged a goal of his own, but the attacker lacked the required quality whenever he had a sight of goal.
Benjamin Sesko – 7
One of the positives from the Brentford defeat was United’s new striker getting off the mark in the Premier League. It seems to have done him the world of good, with the Slovenian in the right place to turn home a loose ball in the penalty area midway through the first half. Would’ve been unfarily done by if the penalty decision had stood, but it’s another step in the right direction.
Mason Mount – 8
Added a touch of much-needed dynamism in the United front three and was rewarded with a well-taken ball. If he can stay fit for the forseeable, he’ll certainly help United and Amorim with their fortunes going forward.
Substitutes:
Patrick Dorgu – 6
Bright spark off the bench and was close to contributing to a third United goal at the death.
Matheus Cunha – 6
Looked tidy off the bench and came close to snatching United’s third of the afternoon, but alarm bells would’ve been ringing for the ex-Wolves ace in the first half. United looked much more comfortable with just two of the new attackers in the starting line-up, with Mount adding much more balance to the forward line. Perhaps an unwanted problem for Amorim and the Brazilian international.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Still hasn’t started a Premier League match so far this season, but his introduction was met by plenty of cheers in the second half.
Harry Maguire – N/A
Manuel Ugarte – N/A