United looked comfortable from the off and scored their earliest goal since Amorim’s first game in charge at Ipswich 11 months ago when Mount trapped a cross from Bryan Mbeumo with his left foot then used his right to slot low into the net in the eighth minute. They continued to look at ease and were pushing for a second, with Mbeumo and Amad both denied by good stops from Robin Roefs, who produced a tremendous save to tip a fizzing Bruno Fernandes strike onto the crossbar.
The second goal duly arrived just after the half-hour mark as United joined the new-found Premier League craze of scoring via throw-ins. Diogo Dalot lobbed the ball into the danger zone, Sunderland couldn’t clear it properly and Sesko volleyed home from close range, scoring for the second game in a row.
United nearly shot themselves in the foot when Sesko stuck out a high foot defending a corner and, on first viewing, appeared to strike Trai Hume in the head. Referee Stuart Attwell gave a penalty but overturned it on review, deeming that no contact had been made.
United took their foot off the gas a bit in the second half and Sunderland had a couple of half chances but debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens impressed, guaranteeing Amorim a peaceful end to a game for once.
BALLGM rates Manchester United‘s players from Old Trafford…
United looked comfortable from the off and scored their earliest goal since Amorim’s first game in charge at Ipswich 11 months ago when Mount trapped a cross from Bryan Mbeumo with his left foot then used his right to slot low into the net in the eighth minute. They continued to look at ease and were pushing for a second, with Mbeumo and Amad both denied by good stops from Robin Roefs, who produced a tremendous save to tip a fizzing Bruno Fernandes strike onto the crossbar.
The second goal duly arrived just after the half-hour mark as United joined the new-found Premier League craze of scoring via throw-ins. Diogo Dalot lobbed the ball into the danger zone, Sunderland couldn’t clear it properly and Sesko volleyed home from close range, scoring for the second game in a row.
United nearly shot themselves in the foot when Sesko stuck out a high foot defending a corner and, on first viewing, appeared to strike Trai Hume in the head. Referee Stuart Attwell gave a penalty but overturned it on review, deeming that no contact had been made.
United took their foot off the gas a bit in the second half and Sunderland had a couple of half chances but debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens impressed, guaranteeing Amorim a peaceful end to a game for once.
BALLGM rates Manchester United’s players from Old Trafford…
Senne Lammens (7/10):
A solid debut. Got across goal to beat away Granit Xhaka’s strike and saved with his legs to prevent Chemsdine Talbi scoring late. Looked comfortable on the ball and dealing with crosses and got a big reception from United fans, which says a lot about the low standard of goalkeeping witnessed recently.
Leny Yoro (7/10):
More than justified his return to the line-up. His pace helped snuff out the occasional visiting attack while his distribution helped United control the ball.
Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):
The type of assured display he needed after his difficult showing at Brentford. Cleared the danger with little fuss and dominated his opponents in the air.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
Played it simple and safe, often going backwards when the crowd wanted him to attack.
Amad Diallo (7/10):
An encouraging return after missing Brentford on compassionate leave. Took a step up from his previous level this season, carving away at Sunderland’s defence from the right flank. Tested Roefs with a stinging shot while his lay-off to Casemiro deserved a better attempt.
Casemiro (6/10):
The pace of the game suited him well as he was able to use his strength to his advantage. His distribution was way above what Manuel Ugarte usually offers. Booked for a cynical tackle on Brian Brobbey.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Not his best performance. Didn’t do as much damage as you might expect in a relatively straightforward win, aside from his strike off the bar, and was exposed a couple of times defensively.
Diogo Dalot (6/10)
Hit and miss. Looked good in the first half and his throw-in led to Sesko scoring. His passing was a bit off, though, and he was soon replaced by Dorgu.
Bryan Mbeumo (6/10):
Worked hard as usual but his passing and finishing was lacking today. His cross to Mount got the ball rolling and he fired a good effort at goal but he wasted a fine Sesko pass and botched a through ball attempt which would have set Cunha on his way to score.
Benjamin Sesko (7/10):
A pleasing afternoon for a player who has taken his time to settle. Scored for the second game in a row and battled well off the ball, creating an excellent chance for Mbeumo.
Mason Mount (8/10):
Showed why Amorim loves him so much. Produced a fine finish to score his first goal of the season while his build-up play was outstanding.
Patrick Dorgu (6/10):
Didn’t offer much of an attacking threat when he replaced Dalot, save for one late burst of pace.
Matheus Cunha (6/10):
Didn’t get the rub of the green and will be disappointed not to have contributed more. Had a snapshot which went straight at Roefs.
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):
Got 13 minutes plus added time and must be getting frustrated with not starting a league game so far this season.
Harry Maguire (N/A):
Replaced Yoro in the 85th minute.
Manuel Ugarte (N/A):
Got 10 minutes when he came on for Casemiro.
Ruben Amorim (7/10):
Made the right selection calls, crucially finally giving Lammens his chance. It was mostly a pleasing performance from his point of view, even if the team dropped off a little in the second half.
