It’s been a long and winding road for Manchester United since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson left the Old Trafford dugout. Fans have weathered years of transition, managerial changes, and shifting expectations. But on October 4, 2025, there was a rare glimmer of optimism in the Manchester drizzle, as the Red Devils, under Ruben Amorim, marked a significant milestone with a convincing 2-0 victory over Sunderland. This win not only celebrated Amorim’s 50th match in charge but also showcased the emerging identity and tactical progress of a side eager to reclaim its place among England’s elite.
The 2025-26 season has started with a sense of cautious hope for United supporters. While the glory days of Premier League domination remain a distant memory, there’s no denying that smarter signings and a clear footballing philosophy are beginning to bear fruit. Amorim, who arrived with a reputation for attacking football and tactical clarity, has gradually shaped the squad in his own image. New arrivals such as Senne Lammens, Benjamin Šeško, and Bryan Mbeumo have slotted in seamlessly alongside established stars like Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Luke Shaw.
Saturday’s win over Sunderland was a showcase of this new approach. Mason Mount, a player whose versatility and intelligence have made him a key component of Amorim’s plans, opened the scoring after just eight minutes. It was United’s earliest Premier League goal since Marcus Rashford’s quickfire strike against Ipswich nearly a year earlier—a sign of the team’s newfound intent from the opening whistle. Mount’s goal, a product of slick buildup and sharp finishing, set the tone for a performance that, while not flawless, was certainly more cohesive than many recent Old Trafford outings.
Benjamin Šeško, the Slovenian striker who has quickly become a fan favorite, doubled the lead with a poacher’s finish—his second Premier League goal in as many matches. The 21-year-old’s ability to hold up play and link with runners like Mbeumo and Fernandes has added a new dimension to United’s attack. "Šeško will naturally attract attention as defenders look to get touch-tight and knock him off the ball (something that’s been hard to do this season)," observed one analyst, highlighting the forward’s physical presence and technical acumen.
But perhaps the most significant development came at the other end of the pitch. Senne Lammens, making his long-awaited debut in goal after his deadline-day move from Royal Antwerp, kept a clean sheet and impressed with a series of crucial interventions. Lammens was called into action just before halftime, diving sharply to his left to deny Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka and confidently collecting a dangerous high ball moments later. "Lammens proved his value in a 90-second period just before the break," reported BBC Sport, noting the Belgian’s composure and shot-stopping ability. The 23-year-old’s arrival appears to have settled a position that’s been a source of uncertainty since the departure of David De Gea.
Defensively, United have shown both promise and vulnerability this season. While the clean sheet against Sunderland was a welcome relief—United’s first of the campaign—the team’s underlying numbers still raise questions. They’ve conceded an xG (expected goals) of 10.1, ranking among the league’s most porous backlines. Much of this stems from set-piece frailty, susceptibility to counterattacks, and occasional lapses in organization between the lines. "Most of the goals they’ve conceded this season have either come from set-pieces, counter attacks, or tiny spaces in between their defensive line," one tactical analysis noted. These are concerns Amorim must address if United are to sustain their challenge for a top-four finish.
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation has been a talking point among pundits and fans alike. While some argue that a 4-2-3-1 might better suit the squad’s strengths, the Portuguese coach has remained steadfast in his approach. The system relies on dynamic wing-backs—options like Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu, and the electric Amad Diallo—to provide width and stretch opposition defenses. Diallo, in particular, has caught the eye with his dribbling and directness, while Dalot’s adaptability gives the team tactical flexibility.
In midfield, Casemiro anchors the side with his experience and positional discipline, freeing up creative forces like Bruno Fernandes and Mount to influence the game higher up the pitch. The chemistry between Fernandes, Mbeumo, and Šeško has been especially promising, with the trio combining for intricate moves and quick transitions. United’s high-energy, counter-attacking style has generated more shots on target than any other Premier League side so far this season. Their xG of 14.1 leads the league, outpacing even Arsenal, indicating that the chances being created are of genuine quality—though finishing remains a work in progress.
Set-pieces have also emerged as a weapon for United. With Fernandes, Mount, and Shaw capable of delivering pinpoint balls, and aerial threats like Casemiro, Šeško, and Harry Maguire lurking in the box, the Red Devils have multiple avenues to goal. "They also have a set-piece prowess via the likes of Fernandes, Mount and Shaw to deliver; and Casemiro, Šeško and Maguire to head it home," reads a recent analysis, underscoring the team’s variety in attack.
The win over Sunderland was not without its nervy moments. Just before halftime, Sunderland were awarded a penalty after Trai Hume went down in the box, but VAR intervened to overturn the decision—confirming that Šeško had not made contact with Hume’s face. Lammens, meanwhile, survived a scare when Bertrand Traore tumbled under his challenge outside the area, only for the referee to book Traore for simulation. These were the kinds of incidents that, on another day, might have swung the match, but United’s luck held firm.
The result marked United’s third consecutive home win for the first time in over two years, a statistic that speaks to the growing confidence at Old Trafford. It also made Amorim the first United boss since Ferguson to win his 50th game at the helm—a milestone that prompted raucous celebrations and a chorus of the fans’ "Ruben Amorim" tribute song. In a tenure that has seen its share of criticism and scrutiny, this was a moment to savor for the Portuguese manager.
Looking ahead, United’s next test is a daunting trip to Anfield to face old rivals Liverpool. The expectation is not for a title charge—at least not yet—but rather for continued progress, a push for Champions League qualification, and the development of a side capable of competing with the best. With young talents like Amad Diallo, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, and Kobbie Mainoo being integrated alongside proven performers, there is a sense that the building blocks are finally in place.
For now, optimism reigns—cautious, perhaps, but genuine. The Red Devils may not be the finished article, but under Amorim, they are beginning to look like a team with a plan, a purpose, and, crucially, a future worth watching. As the season unfolds, United fans can dare to dream that the long wait for true contention might just be drawing to a close.
