Manchester United vs Sunderland Review
Manchester United secured their third consecutive Premier League home victory for the first time in over two years, thanks to an impressive first-half display that led them to a 2-0 win against Sunderland at Old Trafford. Sunderland’s goalkeeper, Robin Roefs, was in the spotlight during a one-sided first half, but he was powerless to stop Mason Mount’s goal in the eighth minute. Mount skillfully placed the ball into the bottom corner from just inside the box after receiving a cross from Bryan Mbeumo. Mount’s first Premier League goal for Manchester United at Old Trafford energized the team, and only Roefs’ excellent saves prevented Sunderland from falling further behind.
Ruben Amorim’s team posed a significant threat down the right flank, where both Amad Diallo and Mbeumo had curling shots saved by Roefs. The Sunderland goalkeeper then made an outstanding save to deflect a Bruno Fernandes shot onto the post, and Amad’s header from the rebound went wide. It appeared inevitable that the second goal would come, and Benjamin Šeško was the one to score it, netting his second goal in as many games with a close-range volley after Sunderland failed to clear Diogo Dalot’s long throw.
Due to his team’s difficulties, Regis Le Bris substituted Simon Adingra before halftime, bringing on center-back Dan Ballard to help fend off some of United’s attacks. Sunderland’s defense improved somewhat, with Granit Xhaka’s powerful long-range shot forcing Lammens into his first save as a United goalkeeper. From the resulting corner, Ballard had a free header at the far post but could only direct it off target. The visitors were unable to maintain that momentum in the second half, as the game settled down and neither team managed a shot on target during the first 40 minutes after the break.
Sunderland’s overall lack of offensive threat meant they never managed a comeback. As a result, Amorim becomes the first Manchester United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his 50th game in charge. This victory also extended United’s unbeaten Premier League streak against promoted teams to 25 matches. Sunderland remain one point ahead of the Red Devils after only their second league loss of the season, while the result continues their poor Premier League record in Manchester, having won just one of their last 30 away games against United or City in the competition.
