Amorim crosses Black Cats' path, not the other way around

You know that old superstition - it's a sign of bad luck if a black cat crosses your path. However, it doesn't apply to Ruben Amorim as his Manchester United defeated Sunderland - known for their nickname Black Cats - on Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford (2-0).

There was a sentiment all around the place that Amorim could even get sacked if the Red Devils don't triumph today, and that this game was a do-or-die for the former Sporting Lisbon boss. If that's the case, well, he survived this first of many tests.

United have recorded their only third Premier League win of the season, finally showing signs of vitality and determination that were not present in the opening six rounds.

On the other hand, EPL's overachiever, Sunderland, failed to cope with the pressure at the Theatre of Dreams, conceding early, which paved their road to defeat.

It was raining heavily at Old Trafford in the first half, and it was pretty much the same with goals for the hosts. Mason Mount opened the scoring with a lovely volley in the eighth minute, following Bryan Mbeumo's cross from the right.

Mount needed just one touch to take control of the ball with his left foot, and only one touch to send it into the bottom corner with his right. Interestingly, that was his first Premier League goal for Manchester United at Old Trafford.

This early opener affected United in the best possible way, as Amorim's men kept pushing for the second. Sunderland's excellent keeper Robin Roefs saved his side more than once during that period, denying Mbeumo's and Diallo's efforts, before making a jaw-dropping save to prevent Bruno Fernandes from doubling the lead.

Still, Roefs is not a magician, and he could do nothing following Diogo Dalot's long throw-in around the half-hour mark. The ball reached Benjamin Sesko, who was lethal from a close range to create a two-goal gap between the sides, netting for the first time at home since his arrival.

Sunderland's boss reacted almost instantly, subbing off Adingra after only 36 minutes. His replacement, Daniel Ballard, could have pegged one back in the dying seconds of the first half, but he missed a sitter from a few yards.

The rain stopped in Manchester during the break, and so did visitors' attempts to return to the game. United weren't impressive, but watching them today, you would not believe they have had any problems at all.

When Mayenda's decent chance from mid-range went way above the crossbar at the beginning of the last ten minutes, it was clear that Amorim had bought himself at least a few more weeks in the dugout, with the international break around the corner.

Enough time for him and his team to consolidate and live up to the expectations of millions of their supporters around the world.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 7

Friday

Bournemouth - Fulham 3-1 (0-0)

/Semenyo 78, 90+6, Kluivert 84 - Sessegnon 70/

Saturday

Leeds - Tottenham 1-2 (1-1)

/Okafor 34 - Tel 23, Kudus 57

Arsenal - West Ham 2-0 (1-0)

/Rice 38, Saka 67 pen/

Manchester United - Sunderland 2-0 (2-0)

/Mount 8, Sesko 31/

19.30: (3.00) Chelsea (3.80) Liverpool (2.35)

Sunday

16.00: (1.60) Aston Villa (3.90) Burnley (6.00)

16.00: (2.60) Everton (3.20) Crystal Palace (3.00)

16.00: (1.65) Newcastle (3.70) Nott.Forest (5.60)

16.00: (3.80) Wolverhampton (3.50) Brighton (2.00)

18.30: (4.85) Brentford (4.30) Man.City (1.65)

***odds are subject to change***