Amorim Marks 50th Game with Man United Win Against Sunderland

Man United Secure Key Win Over Sunderland

Under-pressure head coach Ruben Amorim marked his 50th game in charge of Man United with a vital victory against Sunderland at Old Trafford, a result that brings rare calm to a turbulent tenure.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

Mason Mount struck after eight minutes, his early control and finish drawing the loudest cheer Old Trafford has given him in months. It was United’s quickest Premier League goal since Marcus Rashford’s second-minute strike at Ipswich on Amorim’s debut. Benjamin Sesko soon added a second from close range, his second goal in as many matches, capitalising on confident pressing high up the pitch.

Sunderland believed they had a lifeline before half-time when awarded a penalty, only for VAR to overturn the decision as replays showed Sesko had not made contact with Trai Hume. Relief swept through Old Trafford.

Lammens Delivers on Debut

£18.1m goalkeeper Senne Lammens finally made his debut and delivered assurance when Amorim needed it most. Fans had already welcomed his name warmly before kick-off and he backed it up with sharp reflexes, saving from Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki in quick succession before the break. Late on he denied Chemsdine Talbi with his legs and claimed a looping ball under pressure.

There was controversy when Bertrand Traore went down after squeezing between Lammens and Bruno Fernandes. Referee Stuart Atwell booked Traore for diving and VAR backed the decision. It did not disguise the fact Lammens had rushed out and failed to get the ball, an incident that would have sparked fury had it involved Andre Onana or Altay Bayindir. Results, however, soften judgement and Amorim finally has one to stand behind.

Sunderland Struggle to Adapt

Regis le Bris opted for an attacking setup but was forced into a rethink after 37 minutes, replacing winger Simon Adringa with defender Daniel Ballard to switch to a back five. By then, damage had been done. Only goalkeeper Robin Roefs kept hope alive, producing sharp saves from Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, then stretching fully to tip a curling Fernandes effort onto the post.

Old Trafford Finds Its Voice Again

United have now recorded three straight home wins for the first time in more than two years. They have lost only once to Sunderland in 31 home meetings. Amorim becomes the first United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his 50th game in charge. The home crowd responded with a full rendition of his terrace anthem. Under this glare, even fleeting affection matters.