Ruben Amorim gambles pay off as Man Utd stars deliver vs Sunderland - 5 talking points

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Things finally clicked into gear for Manchester United on a pivotal afternoon for Ruben Amorim, who will be able to enjoy some respite during the international break following a comfortable 2-0 win over Sunderland.

The pressure and scrutiny has grown on Amorim in recent weeks due to United's poor form and it was imperative United signed off for the international break with a positive result. Step forward Mason Mount , who gave United the perfect platform to do just that with a crisp finish in the eighth minute after he was picked out expertly by Bryan Mbeumo in the penalty area.

The hosts kept pushing with Robin Roefs in the away goal keeping the score down, thwarting Amad, Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes. But he was helpless on the half hour mark when Benjamin Sesko tucked home a first time finish in the six-yard box to give United some breathing space.

Both sides traded chances in the second half but United were not overly troubled as they saw the game out to record a huge win for their head coach. Here, Mirror Football looks at the games talking points...

It may only be the first weekend in October, but this game felt like must-win territory for Amorim and United. And for all the criticism that has been levelled at the Portuguese coach and his team in recent weeks, they delivered here.

United were far more fluent and looked how you would expect Man United to look playing at home to Sunderland , with all due respect to the visitors. Amad was super effective getting forward at right wing-back and Bruno Fernandes , though playing in a deeper role again, was involved in advanced positions and was only denied a goal by an exceptional save from Roefs.

On an afternoon where something had to give, United stepped up. They could - and maybe should - have got more goals, but this result can act as a kickstart for their season.

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After weeks of talk over the goalkeeper situation, Amorim decided today was the day for Lammens, an £18.2million deadline day signing. And thankfully for United, their new man didn't disappoint between the sticks.

United are in desperate need of a strong figure in goal with neither Altay Bayindir or Andre Onana convincing during Amorim's tenure. Lammens was assured and didn't put a foot wrong in difficult conditions. If Lammens is to be United's No 1 long-term, then he did his chances no harm with this display.

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United spent £200million to address their goalscoring problem in the summer and there are now signs that the tide could be turning. Sesko, the club's marquee signing, has now scored in consecutive Premier League games, while Mbeumo grabbed the assist for United's first.

Some of United's attacking play was slick. Mbeumo's fizzed pass into Mount was a thing of beauty and the former Chelsea midfielder's finish did it justice. It's still early days but United's new signings will be scrutinised. As long as the goals and assists keep coming, like they did here for Sesko and Mbeumo, then there will be few grumbles.

While all the talk before the game was of Lammens, it was Roefs who stole the show in the first half with a string of fine saves to keep the score down, particularly one world-class save to tip an effort from Fernandes onto the post in the first half.

Sunderland have made a fine start to life back among England's elite but struggled to trouble a United side who finally showed some promise to ease the pressure on their beleaguered head coach.

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Make no mistake, today was huge for Amorim. Was his job on the line, as some have suggested? We'll never know given United have won, but it certainly felt must-win. And give credit where credit is due, he got his big calls right here.

The decision to give Lammens the nod in goal was a shrewd one and United looked comfortable defensively. Much has been made of Amorim's 3-4-3 system - and his refusal to deviate from it - but key players such as Amad and Fernandes were effective here as United clinched a much-needed win. United's new-look attack recorded more returns, too, if you're looking for another positive.

This will give him some welcome breathing space during the international break. But as positive as this afternoon was, it will count for little if United don't kick on after the break.

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