Man Utd breathes: Amorim wins and eases pressure, but for how long?

In a day that could have been taken from a dream, Ruben Amorim, the Manchester United coach, experienced a respite amidst the intense pressure he faces in his fiftieth match in charge of the team. The match against Sunderland at Old Trafford proved to be the perfect setting for a crucial victory. Amorim’s tactical decisions paid off, with goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko. Sunderland, for their part, squandered clear opportunities, and United secured a 2-0 victory, including the cancellation of a penalty in favor of the visiting team thanks to VAR. After a season marked by bad luck, Amorim was finally able to celebrate a favorable result.

“Yes,” replied Amorim, with the expression of a man who desperately needed this victory.
Ruben Amorim

Amorim acknowledged that the team did not play their best football throughout the match, but highlighted the key moments. He pointed out the focus, defensive solidity, and determination of the team to secure the victory in the second half.

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The coach had defended his system in Friday’s press conference, responding to the criticisms. Although he didn’t modify his tactical strategy, he did make a change in the goal. Senne Lammens received his first start since his signing for 18.2 million pounds, replacing Altay Bayindir, a decision that many United fans had asked for. Lammens’ performance was enthusiastically received by the fans. His first stop, a shot by Granit Xhaka, drew a great ovation, and moments later, a save to catch a deep cross earned him even greater acclaim. The match was already going well for United, with Mount scoring at eight minutes and Sesko extending the lead to 2-0 in the first half. Despite Sunderland’s missed opportunities, including a clear chance for Bertrand Traoré, and a penalty initially awarded but then overturned thanks to VAR, luck was on United’s side. Lammens demonstrated his worth with a last-minute save and a subsequent catch of a cross, securing the first clean sheet of the season for United. The fans chanted his name.

“He looks confident in the first match, but the important thing is that his teammates help him have a good match,” said Amorim. “Everyone is focused, there are not many mistakes, we did a good job as a team.”
Ruben Amorim

The coach also highlighted Lammens’ adaptation to the new team and the pressure faced by the goalkeepers. The fans, after the chants for Lammens, sang a chorus in support of Amorim. While support for the Portuguese coach persists, he will need more victories like this to regain the full confidence of the fans. The victory against Sunderland, a newly promoted team, is a step in the right direction. Amorim acknowledged the team’s lack of consistency and the frustration of not seeing the same performance at home and away. However, he highlighted the importance of concentration and fighting for every ball, key aspects for achieving victories. The victory, the most comfortable since March, will give Amorim a breather for the international break. The next challenge will be even greater: Liverpool at Anfield. A victory there could be the dream that allows him to sleep soundly.