By 
Manchester United delivered a much-improved performance at Old Trafford on Sunday, registering a much-needed victory over Sunderland that will allow head coach Ruben Amorim to breathe easier during the international break.
The result — only United’s second league win of the new campaign — comes after intense speculation over Amorim’s future reached fever pitch ahead of kick-off.
Supporters were lifted by the sight of new striker Benjamin Šeško scoring his second goal in as many Premier League games, doubling United’s first-half lead after Mason Mount had opened the scoring in the eighth minute.
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There were also positives at the back as new goalkeeper Senne Lammens impressed on his debut, pulling off several key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
In a match reported by ESPN, Sunderland, who saw a penalty overturned before the break, suffered just their second Premier League defeat of the season under Regis Le Bris.
Old Trafford fell silent before kick-off in a touching tribute to the victims of Thursday’s Heaton Park Synagogue attack, located six miles away.
The visitors began brightly, with Bertrand Traoré missing a big chance in the opening minutes, failing to connect properly with Simon Adingra’s cross.
But their early momentum faded when Bryan Mbeumo’s delivery found Mount, who controlled neatly before firing a low right-footed strike beyond the goalkeeper and into the net in front of the Stretford End.
United grew in confidence thereafter, with Sunderland goalkeeper Roefs twice denying Amad Diallo and Mbeumo, and then superbly tipping Bruno Fernandes’ long-range strike onto the woodwork.
But the impressive Dutch shot-stopper was finally beaten again in the 31st minute. A long throw from Diogo Dalot was flicked on accidentally by Nordi Mukiele, allowing Šeško to pounce from close range.
Sunderland regrouped before halftime, with Granit Xhaka forcing a fine save from Lammens, who was loudly applauded for his composure under pressure in wet conditions.
Drama struck in stoppage time when Šeško was penalized for a high foot on Trai Hume, only for VAR official Neil Davies to send referee Stuart Attwell to the monitor — leading to the penalty being overturned. From the ensuing corner, Dan Ballard came close to pulling one back.
After the break, both sides created few clear chances.
Traoré was booked for simulation after colliding with Lammens, while substitute Brian Brobbey narrowly missed connecting with Mukiele’s dangerous cross.
Late efforts from Eliezer Mayenda and Matheus Cunha at opposite ends tested both goalkeepers, before Lammens drew a huge roar in stoppage time with a fine save to deny Chemsdine Talbi.
As the final whistle blew, chants of Amorim’s name rang around Old Trafford — a sign that, for now, the pressure on the Portuguese coach has eased.
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