Man United show a new side under Ruben Amorim in Sunderland win, claims ESPN pundit

Recent results have left Man United open to criticism from all sides, regardless of how they have actually played. The noise around the club has grown louder with every poor result.

But after the 2-0 win over Sunderland, even ESPN FC’s Steve Nicol – who is not shy about giving his honest opinion – had nothing but praise for how United handled the match.

“I bet you, Amorim wishes every Saturday could be like this. I can’t remember the last time we watched Manchester United, home or away, where there wasn’t at some stage, some sort of drama, whether it’s giving a lead away, or whether it’s a comeback or or whether it’s just rubbish,” Nicol said.

The former defender added: “I mean, for the first time ever I can remember in recent memory, there’s nothing to say about this Man United side. It was comfortable.

“As soon as Mount scored, they never looked in any danger.”

Nicol also highlighted debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens and how calm he looked between the sticks.

“I know it’s tough to call it on this game, but a couple of times Lammens came for crosses, he just looked as though he’d been there all his life.”

“It’s how it should be for a Manchester United team playing Old Trafford against a team like Sunderland. Job done. No panic, no drama. Move along to the next.”

Just the result Ruben Amorim needed

Ruben Amorim came into this match under pressure, with just two wins from six games. The win brings United to three wins and a draw from seven, totalling 10 points – a modest return.

Even so, ‘modest’ is a step up from last season’s struggles, and there are small signs that things might be heading in the right direction.

This time last year, results like this would have been harder to come by. And while Amorim still has plenty of work ahead of him, it is clear that some progress has been made.

A steady win over Sunderland is exactly what fans expect, especially after the strong performance against Arsenal on opening day. That game ended in a 1-0 defeat but left supporters hopeful about what was to come.

The challenge now is turning those moments of promise into consistent results across the season.