THERE was a rendition of “Amorim’s Red and White Army” before Manchester United had scored.
‘We’ll support you evermore’ read one banner in the middle of the Stretford End. United fans even sang Amorim’s praises to the tune of Bonnie Tyler.
Mason Mount celebrates his opening goal in the eighth minute[/caption]
Mount’s well-taken strike eased early nerves at Old Trafford[/caption]
Benjamin Sesko scored his second goal in consecutive games and first in front of his home fans[/caption]
It was not en masse. Many do not believe Amorim will “bring the glory days again” and “turn the Reds around”. It is likelier to end in heartache, as Bonnie sang.
This was not a statement win against the side promoted to the Championship via the Play-offs. That anyone should consider three points Sunderland on their own patch as significant indicates something is seriously wrong.
Plenty will view this as a reprieve – at best. Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag approached the October internationals with the axe hovering above them. It could yet come down on Amorim.
If it does, he has bowed out on the relative high of a tenth Premier League win in his 50th game in charge.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was absent but John Reece represented Ineos and sat a couple of rows in front of chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox.
They got a glimpse of the United that started the Premier League season, only with an improved conversion rate.
Much of United’s dominant first half against Sunderland resembled the first 45 minutes against another promoted side, Burnley, in August. This time, the second goal arrived.
Two different coaches claimed the credit in the technical area. Amorim recalled opening scorer Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko’s instinctive volley was from a throw-in choreographed by assistant manager Carlos Fernandes.
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
United ball boys had been handed towels in preparation for their long-throw strategy.
Amorim swapped the bomber jacket of recent weeks for a matching tracksuit that suggested he was a member of Tony Soprano’s crew.
The United coach was nearly as ruthless as a capo with his changes. Senne Lammens had to make his debut sooner rather than later with Altay Bayindir a number one only in squad number.
Sunderland will rue not testing Lammens in the sodden conditions as the Belgian eased his way into Premier League football. Granit Xhaka eventually did in the 44th minute and Lammens was alert.
A minute later, he authoritatively claimed a cross and there was an exaggerated cheer. Some United fans rose to their feet to applaud Lammens, clearly thrilled to see the back of Bayindir, as well as Andre Onana.
The 23-year-old got another hand in the 90th minute with the vital denial of substitute Chemsdine Talbi.
Casemiro, predictably back in for Manuel Ugarte, was stable, Amad attacked mercilessly against his old team and Mount was on the scoresheet.
There was a sudden rendition of Wayne Rooney’s chant in the Stretford End during the first half, possibly signalling approval for his scathing comments about Amorim’s tenure. Amorim is safe from another barracking, for now.
There had been groans in the first five minutes from United supporters. Sunderland fans, already in a bullish voice, reminded the United regulars of their final-day heartache at the Stadium of Light.
“We heard you singing and then Sergio scored.” At least United supporters are spared that despair as also-rans.
Amorim half-joked he sometimes “hates” his players but he has showered Mount with “love”. Mount repaid him with a first Premier League goal at Old Trafford.
Mount was an on-pitch lieutenant of Amorim’s, ushering Mbeumo back into position after a breakaway broke down and rollocking Diogo Dalot.
This was Mount’s best performance for United, signalled by the standing ovation he earned upon his second-half substitution.
Dalot, a scapegoat for those on the terraces, miscontrolled his first touch for a throw-in. Amorim, already on his haunches, rose immediately to clap his compatriot.
Dalot could not have heard him. Three minutes later, Bertrand Traore’s movement deceived him before he fluffed his finish. The linesman raised his flag but the replay showed the call was dubious.
Soon, Amorim had his arms outstretched and was smacking his hands in exasperation. Mount ensured that the toil was short-lived on eight minutes.
United did not start confidently but Mount’s strike was confident. Amorim turned to his staff and gave a cocksure shrug, as if to indicate one of his selections had quickly paid off.
Almost as integral was the return of Amad after a family bereavement. With Dalot relocated to the left, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo reconnected on the right and both drew saves from Robin Roefs, who reserved his best for Bruno Fernandes’ clipped curler.
The second goal that eluded United against Burnley came from Sesko on his most polished performance. His first half was, briefly, blighted by a harsh penalty award for a high boot.
Referee Stuart Attwell was predictably sent to the monitor to review the on-pitch decision. He took such an eternity to communicate it was not a penalty that Bruno Fernandes signalled it was a corner before Attwell did.
An anxious Amorim thought Sunderland had converted from the corner when the net rippled. Fortunately for United, the ball hit the wrong side of the post.
United fans could safely continue airing their support for the manager.
Sesko steers home from a long throw to double United’s lead in the first half[/caption]
Ruben Amorim was an animated figure with question marks over his long-term future[/caption]
New £18.2m Man Utd goalkeeper Senne Lammens made his debut against Sunderland[/caption]
