Sunderland’s premier league journey thus far saw them travel to Manchester in search of that first win of the season. A very sedated atmosphere in Old Trafford transcended to the pitch with neither side starting brightly. A factor that was welcomed by many Sunderland fans after the way their team started the last two games.
Signs of sloppiness seen so often this season were still rife. A mix up between Pantilimon and Kaboul along with Van Aanholt’s continuing lack of positional awareness meant Sunderland were, in fact, creating chances but for the wrong team.
Sunderland began to offer more going forward around the half hour mark when Jeremain Lens found himself in behind the United defence only for his tight-angled shot to be well saved from United’s much-publicized goalkeeper.
Unfortunately, this trend failed to continue with Borini becoming very isolated as the rest of the side failed to provide the support and runs beyond him. Similar to the Swansea game this season, Sunderland appeared to switch off momentarily with a half time break firmly in their thoughts. United exploited this through Blind who lofted an excellently weighted ball over the Sunderland defence into the path of on running Juan Mata who squared it to Depay for the Dutchman to claim his first goal in the premier league.
This took the impetus and self-belief out of a side that keep Manchester United at Old Trafford very much at bay for the first 44 minutes. It was clear this preceded after the break as Wayne Rooney’s knee connected with Anthony Martial’s cross for England’s captain to score his first United goal in over 1000 minutes.
Sunderland showed some character in response by forcing De Gea’s to make some strong saves either side of the hour mark. Although it was mainly the home side that continued to control the game albeit with one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League game.
United’s front four caused Sunderland problems all day long, particularly in the second half. Martial displayed his impressive power at such a young age, speeding past Kaboul on many occasions. But it was the small Spaniard who was to ice Manchester United’s cake a minute before full time. Mata found himself with time and space in the box to convert Memphis’ pass into the roof of the net.
Football is a 90-minute game and in the Premier League focus is key, this cruel lesson is one Sunderland can take back to Wearside with them. West Ham next.
FT: Manchester United 3-0 Sunderland
Scorers: Depay (45+3′), Rooney (46′), Mata (89′)
Lineups
Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Blind (Jones), Darmian; Schneiderlin (Schweinsteiger), Carrick; Mata, Rooney, Memphis (Young); Martial
Sunderland: Pantilimon, Jones, Van Aanholt, O’Shea (c), Kaboul, Cattermole, M’Vila, Johnson (Fletcher), Toivonen (Larsson), Lens, Borini
Match rating: 4/10
Attendance: 75,328
