United Review | Sunderland at home

United 2 - 0 Sunderland

A pleasant day in the rain and wind at Old Trafford as we bounced back from last Saturday's horror show.

Author | Liam C

We secured a relatively comfortable victory over Sunderland, as the Wearsiders returned to Old Trafford for the first time in nearly ten years.

Goalkeeper Senne Lammens celebrated his debut with a clean sheet and displayed composure. Something that has been lacking. The players outfield seemed more relaxed by his presence. 

How was the game won?

Mason Mount put us ahead with a neat finish, and Benjamin Sesko doubled the lead on the half-hour with his second goal for the club. We had the chances to score more goals; however, most fans would have taken a stress-free 2-0 victory before kick-off.

This was a good performance and probably our best in a home league game in a long time. Yes, it was only Sunderland, but it was also only Grimsby. It was also only Wolves and West Ham. These are the games we need to win. 

Defence looked relatively secure

After being left on the bench for three games since his deadline-day move from Royal Antwerp, Amorim finally handed Senne Lammens his Premier League debut ahead of Altay Bayindir.

United defend a corner

The decision was warmly received by the United faithful, who cheered his name when it was announced over the tannoy an hour before kick-off and again as the teams emerged onto the pitch.

Lammens made his presence felt in a frantic 90-second spell just before half-time. He first dived low to his left to deny Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka, whose long-range strike looked to be creeping in near the post. Moments later, he confidently rose to claim Noah Sadiki’s high ball.

The 23-year-old produced a similar display at the end of the match, blocking Chemsdine Talbi’s low shot with his legs before leaping to collect a looping ball in a dangerous area.

Good vibes in the Stretford End.

It was not a flawless performance. Bertrand Traore went down just outside the box after a tangle with Lammens and United captain Bruno Fernandes, convinced he had been fouled. Lammens had rushed out but missed the ball. Referee Stuart Atwell booked Traore for simulation, with VAR Neil Davies backing the decision.

Moments like that would have drawn sharp criticism if Bayindir or Andre Onana had been in goal, yet we're gonna say "out with the old and in with the new."

It's time to get carried away and say Lammens is better than Van Der Sar and Gea combined. United are back (at least until we lose against the Scousers). 

Onwards and upwards.