Premier League 2025-26, Manchester United beat Sunderland 2-0: Key stats
What's the story
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim celebrated his 50th game in charge with a much-needed victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford. The win came as a relief for the under-pressure manager, who has faced criticism over his team's performance this season. Mason Mount opened the scoring for United in just eight minutes, marking their earliest Premier League goal this season.
Match highlights
Sesko doubles United's lead
Benjamin Sesko scored his second consecutive goal, doubling United's lead with a close-range finish. The match also marked the debut of £18.1 million goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who helped United secure their first clean sheet of the season. Sunderland was awarded a penalty just before half-time but it was overturned after VAR confirmed that Sesko did not catch Trai Hume in the face with a high boot as initially thought.
Managerial milestone
Amorim finally has some positive numbers to look back on
Despite a tenure marred by negative statistics, Amorim now has some positive numbers to look back on. United recorded their third consecutive home win for the first time in over two years. They have lost just once at home to Sunderland in 31 meetings. Amorim is also the first United boss since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his 50th game in charge. The home fans even sang their catchy 'Ruben Amorim' tribute song amid intense scrutiny over his longevity at Old Trafford.
Goalkeeping debut
Lammens makes his Premier League debut for United
After three games on the bench since his deadline-day move from Royal Antwerp, Amorim finally gave Lammens a chance in the Premier League. The decision was well-received by United supporters who cheered his name when it was read out over the tannoy for the first time an hour before kick-off. Lammens proved his worth with some brilliant saves during the match, including one from Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka's long-range effort and another high ball from Noah Sadiki.
Details
Match stats and points table
Hosts Man United had 51% ball possession with Sunderland managing 49%. The Red Devils had 6 shots on target from 15 attempts. Sunderland had 8 attempts and four shots on target. Man United had 32 touches in the opposition with the Black Cats managing 14. Amorim's men earned 2 corners with Sunderland having three of the same. In terms of the points table, Man United are 9th with 10 points (W3 D1 L3). Sunderland are placed 7th with 11 points.
Duo
Key details of Mount and Sesko
Making his 54th appearance for Man United across all competitions, Mount scored his 5th goal. This was his first goal of the season. Sesko scored his 2nd goal of the season for the Red Devils. Notably, he has scored in his 2nd successive match. As per Squawka, Sesko had 39 touches against Sunderland. He won 9 duels and had 4 touches in the opposition box. He won 4 aerial duels and 3 tackle. He created 2 chances.
Opta stats
Key records made in the contest
Man United have won four of their last 8 Premier League matches. This is as many wins as their previous 21 (W4 D5 L12). Amorim is the first Man United manager to win his 50th game in charge of the club since Sir Alex Ferguson in November 1987. The Red Devils have lost just two of their last 31 league games against the Black Cats. Across all competitions, Sunderland have won just one of their last 32 away games against Man United.