Mason Mount’s stunning strike and a first Old Trafford goal from Benjamin Šeško earned Manchester United a much-needed 2–0 win over Sunderland, easing the growing pressure on head coach Rúben Amorim.

The Portuguese manager entered his 50th game in charge under intense scrutiny following United’s 3–1 defeat to Brentford the previous weekend. However, his team produced a strong response amid wet and blustery conditions, wrapping up victory before half-time thanks to Mount’s opener and Šeško’s composed finish.

After the match, Amorim praised his players’ commitment and the public show of support from Mount, saying:

“I saw that today, and I know the players want to give their all — they don’t want constant change. But backing the manager means showing it with actions on the pitch. Sometimes we know we can do better, and that’s what we must keep proving, both home and away.”

Despite the defeat, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris remained upbeat about his side’s promising start to life back in the Premier League. The Black Cats entered the international break sitting comfortably in the top half with 11 points from seven games.

“They scored twice and the game changed,” Le Bris told BBC Sport. “We switched our shape to go one-v-one — it became chaotic, but at least we were back in it. We just lacked the strength to create clear chances until the very end.”

Sunderland briefly thought they had a way back when Trai Hume was awarded a penalty after appearing to be caught in the face, only for VAR to overturn the decision due to minimal contact. It wasn’t the only contentious call involving the United defence.

New signing Bertrand Traoré, making his first start since arriving from Ajax for £2.5 million, went down in a collision with debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Bruno Fernandes. Referee Stuart Attwell deemed it simulation and booked the winger — a decision that split opinion.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher suggested the official should have exercised restraint:

“There’s often a third option — do nothing. It’s not a penalty, but it’s not a dive either. If play had just continued, nobody would’ve complained.”

The result provides Amorim and United a timely lift heading into the international break, while Sunderland can still take plenty of encouragement from their steady start to the campaign.