Manchester United had a shaky start to the Premier League season but as the International break begins, they can be excited with the result they have gotten against newly promoted Sunderland.
The game began with much of the intensity coming from Sunderland. It seemed United were willing to allow Sunderland knock the ball around while they maintained their shape. Mount found the net for his third Premier League goal for Manchester United since his move from Chelsea two years ago. Mount scored by bringing down a cross from Mbeumo and slotting it into the bottom-right corner of the Sunderland’s goal.
Still, United weren’t pressing as we have seen them do in recent times. Amorim’s team were always criticized for their inability to press and stay on the front foot with teams playing through their press. In this game, Manchester United looked like they were comfortable with Sunderland’s press but even then it was United with the most of the possession.
It looks like we are going to see more of long throws into the box and Dalot’s throw led to Sesko’s second goal for United. Mukiele’s flick on the ball landed kindly for Sesko who was free in front of goal and he couldn’t miss.
Worthy of note was Mount’s off-the-ball movement. He got a goal but his game was summed up with his movement’s without the ball as he gave Granit Xhaka a problem – deciding who to track between the England international and Mbeumo.
It seemed like Manchester United were going to continue the onslaught but Sunderland’s coach made a defensive change and switch to a back five which seemed to calm the game down.
If anyone would get praises, it has to be Lammens who made his debut. He can leave with joy as he brings United the first clean sheet this season. The Belgium international made three very important saves with the most notable one in the 90th minute when he used his feet to keep out Talbi’s efforts. His aerial dominance was something we haven’t seen with Onana and Bayindir. Lammens collected the balls from the air thrice in the game and when added to the saves he made and his distribution with both feet, he could be easily voted United’s standout player vs Sunderland.
Through and through, it was a great game for Manchester United.
