It was a much-needed 3 points for United's manager more than anyone, and that's exactly what he got and deservedly so.

How many times have we said that?

This was as straight forward a win as he could've asked for as the home side never really had to worry too much against a Sunderland side that showed nothing of the team that was actually in 5th before this game week.

However, that is precisely what Amorim would've wanted as he desperately needed the victory.

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Lineup

One of the main reasons he got that was due to his starting XI.

Pre-match, the Portuguese said that it was because of rotation and every game providing a different challenge requiring certain players in the team over others.

I think he had to change it more because last week it was so shit. It was our worst performance of the season and some of those players who were 'rotated' (Bayindir, Maguire) were some of the worst on the field.

Amorim finally made that change of bringing in Lammens for the Turk and boy, what a difference the lad made. Yoro was brought back into defense over Maguire, Amad started as RWB which is what we all want to see, Casemiro returned to replace Ugarte and Mount started ahead of Cunha, which was a little surprising although the Brazilian didn't have the best of matches at Brentford.

To be honest, when I saw this lineup, I felt a lot better and more confident that we would get the win. I did predict a defeat (partly to jinx the result 😅) but mainly because I didn't expect Amorim to select such a side.

It was a good team even if there were still holes in it (Shaw as LCB, Dalot at LWB, Bruno in midfield) but it was one that I believe most of the fan base was more willing to get behind compared to what we expected.

And it proved to be the correct team.

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First Half

This is where the game was won.

United didn't actually get off to a flyer as has been a habit of ours this season. It was more pedestrian and defensive with us allowing Sunderland to have a decent amount of the ball.

After about 5 minutes though, that's when we saw United wake up and we didn't look back.

3 minutes later, and we took the lead through the surprise inclusion of Mount. A really well-worked goal as Mbeumo grabbed the assist thanks to a good pass into the no 7. Top control by Mount allowed him to get his shot off which was to use a Sunderland defender as a shield and curl the ball around him and into the bottom corner.

Brilliant finish and a great way to start the game. That was the earliest goal we've scored this season and it set the tempo as well as settle a lot of nerves, not least the manager's. A start like this would've been exactly what he was looking for.

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United then began to carve out a couple more chances as both Amad and Mbeumo - who seemed to be developing a partnership down the right - had left-footed curlers that were saved by Robin Roefs in Sunderland's goal.

He then made arguably save of the season so far from a Bruno effort. The captain who came under much criticism for his display last week, almost doubled our lead through a shot that had no back lift but forced that superb save. The goalkeeper's fingertips forcing it onto the bar.

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However, half-an-our in and the lead was doubled as Sesko makes it two in two. The Slovenian got on the end of a flick-on from a long throw-in by Dalot to put United in cruise control. A simple finish for the new no 9.

After his first strike for the club last week, he continued his form to make it two on the bounce which will add to his confidnce. In fact, after his goal, we started to see Big Ben play with an extra spring in his step as his hold-up play, link-up play, flick-ons and even passes into teammates to get them in on goal, was all on point.

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Much could've been different though had a penalty been awarded to the away side. Sesko with a high (ish) boot in the box caused a VAR intervention which saw the referee overturn his penalty decision. A bit of a late scare in those opening 45 minutes.

But United went into the break 2-0 up with relative comfort as the visitors didn't cause us any trouble.

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Second Half

Lammens was having a solid game in that first period. In fact, the Belgian making his debut just did the basics right as there were no spillages of the ball, no parrying into dangerous areas or complete misses. His distribution was decent but more than that, he is comfortable with BOTH FEET!

I didn't actually know which was his strong foot 😂.

Through this, he provided a confidence to the back line and a confidence to us that he won't cock up much like Onana and Bayindir. You saw this through the countless patting of the head whenever the Belgian came and collected the ball as several of his teamamtes were very happy with the debutant. He even displayed a bit of a commanding presence at times.

It was wonderful to see 🙌.

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There was a moment at the start of the second half where he and Bruno got slightly caught as due to lack of communication, they allowed Traore to get passed them from a long ball when the goalkeeper tried to do some sweeper keeping on the edge of his box. The only thing he swept was his skipper! Thankfully nothing happened to either of them and nor was there any foul given, which was surprising. Even more than that, the referee booked Traore for simulation!

We ain't complaining.

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United then sat back and let Sunderland have possession and looked to counter them but lack of composure and quality in the final third resulted in few clear-cut opportunities.

As the Black Cats didn't really show anything in attack, it meant a very routine win for us in the end, which isn't something we say too often.

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Verdict on Amorim

He did adapt a little and make some changes to the team from last week and one of them in Mount justified his change especially considering he replaced Cunha.

The tactics worked even though the football wasn't ideal and his team got the result we all wanted.

It was by no means a perfect performance but it was one to build upon and also with a team to build upon. As I said, it wasn't the team I would've picked but it was much better than what we all thought we were going to get.

He got it right today as even his substitutions were correct although I still have to question why he keeps subbing Maguire for Yoro or vice versa. I don't see the need to change your back three and if you are going to do so, it has to be Shaw who is hooked instead of the Frenchman.

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Ratings

Lammens - 7

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Yoro - 6.5

De Ligt - 7

Shaw - 6

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Amad - 6.5

Casemiro - 6

Bruno - 6

Dalot - 4

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Mbeumo - 6.5

Mount - 7

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Sesko - 7.5 MOTM

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Ruben Amorim - 7

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Final Thoughts

2 goals. Clean sheet. 3 points. Lammens masterclass. Yoro back in the team. Amad at RWB. Mount justifies start. Sesko scores in back-to-back games. No Amorim out talk. Successful Liverpool hate watch. Weekend not ruined.

This is what we used to do. It's good to feel it again, even if it may only last for one game.

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But we really do need to use this momentum. I don't want to see Amorim go and change the team to something we don't like in the next match because then this really was a one-off and you've got to question what is he actually doing.

But let's just enjoy this one lads. They don't happen that much and the 2-week international break isn't going to be a long one.

Next stop: Anfield.

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Benjamin Sesko scores first Old Trafford goal in Man Utd's 2-0 win over Sunderland | Image via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)