Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United got their first clean sheet of the season with a solid display at home to Sunderland, with Ruben Amorim's side returning to winning ways.

United got off to a sloppy start, with Sunderland looking dangerous, but they quickly improved and got the opener thanks to a brilliant finish from Mason Mount, who was given a start ahead of Matheus Cunha. Amorim's side used the momentum from the early goal to full effect, and they threatened the Mackems' backline constantly in the opening half-hour.

They got their reward in the 31st minute, as Benjamin Sesko latched on to a long throw-in to slot home United's second, and his second in as many games. United could have had a third before the break, with a number of opportunities falling to Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes in particular, yet they were either off target or brilliantly saved by Robin Roefs.

The second-half was a different story for United, as they were much more interested in defending and standing firm, not pushing forward for a third.

United held out for the 2-0 win, with debutant Senne Lammens making a couple of steady saves towards the end of the game.

As a result, United are heading into the international break with 10 points from seven Premier League games, and while it may not be ideal, it put Amorim's side firmly in mid-table ahead of a trip to Anfield later this month.

Here are our player ratings:

Senne Lammens 8

A breath of fresh air. While he was a bit nervy in the opening few minutes, understandably given it is his debut, he grew into the game and did not dilly-dally on the ball. A couple of great stops, while also coming out to claim corners. Still very early, but he needs to make that No.1 spot his own.

Leny Yoro 7

Recalled to the line-up and defended admirably. Did not look like his best on the ball, but performed much better off the ball.

Matthijs de Ligt 8

Another solid display from the Dutchman, who covered plenty of ground and was constantly alert to danger. Never caught out of position and also had a key role in the second goal. United's best defender.

Luke Shaw 7

Much more solid than he has been in recent weeks, and gave United great control on the ball.

Amad 7

Provided a constant threat on his return to the team, and linked up very well with Mbuemo throughout the first-half. Faded in the second, but showed he has what it takes to do well at wing-back.

Casemiro 6

Disciplined on the ball, utilising his experience to help United control the game. However, got a needless booking and was subsequently brought off.

Bruno Fernandes 6

Started deep next to Casemiro again, which seems to be Amorim's preferred pairing, and he covered plenty of ground. Tried an outstanding effort that was brilliantly tipped onto the woodwork by Roefs. Moved further forward towards the latter stages.

Diogo Dalot 5

Surprisingly started after the horrific display against Brentford, and while it was a better performance, he was still shocking at times. While his long throw-in got United's second, he was sometimes careless on the ball and took his eyes off the game.

Bryan Mbeumo 7

Got the assist for the opening goal and was a nightmare for Sunderland defenders in the first-half. A constant threat with Amad down the right, yet was uncharacteristically not clinical when faced with Roefs. Faded in the second-half.

Benjamin Sesko 8

One of United's better performers on the day, looking tidy on the ball and making a number of excellent runs. Got on the end of a throw-in to make it two goals from two games, as he looks to get a run of goals going. His aerial ability was brilliantly utilised and he showed his qualities on the ball with a number of smart flicks to bring others into play.

Mason Mount 9

United's standout player, constantly giving Sunderland's defenders trouble and was a workhorse off the ball. Did not put a foot wrong and deservedly got the opening goal. A sign of what he can offer when fully fit. Got a standing ovation as he came off, having shown why managers love him so much.

Substitutions

Patrick Dorgu 6

An improvement on Dalot, and offered some more dynamism going forward.

Matheus Cunha 6

Injected some energy into the United attack in the second-half and was lively on the ball.

Kobbie Mainoo 6

Did not impact the game that much, but showed glimpses of his neat footwork.

Manuel Ugarte 6

Came on late for Casemiro, and did his job well.

Harry Maguire 6

Helped secure the victory, injecting some control at the back.

Manager - Ruben Amorim: 7

There was plenty of pressure and noise surrounding Amorim ahead of this game, and while there were question marks about him starting Mount ahead of Cunha, the game showed exactly why he did so. Finally gave Lammens a start and will surely continue to pick him ahead of Bayindir. A much-needed win and solid performance going into the international break to shut up the critics, especially ahead of the crunch match away to Liverpool.