Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim took drastic measures before the victory over Sunderland, but the response from two players will have given him faith.
Manchester United star Matheus Cunha reacts during the victory over Sunderland.
Manchester United star Matheus Cunha reacts during the victory over Sunderland.
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Ahead of their victory over Sunderland, Ruben Amorim knew that his position at Manchester United would be under serious doubt had they not been on the winning side of a result.
Huge questions were already being asked of the United head coach and, after a shoddy display at Brentford, changes needed to be made. Fortunately, the Portuguese head coach acted decisively, and it worked a treat.
The defence looked a lot stronger than in recent weeks, due mostly to the addition of Senne Lammens in goal. Meanwhile, going forward, Mason Mount justified his selection with a goal inside the opening ten minutes.
It was not a performance that would have supporters believing that the Reds will now mount a title challenge. However, it was solid and showed signs that Amorim can turnaround United's fortunes.
However, the biggest positive from their victory was the reaction of two players who were left out to make room for Lammens and Mount. Both Altay Bayindir and Matheus Cunha occupied spots on the bench this past weekend.
Inwardly, both will have undoubtedly been disappointed not to play but, outwardly, they expressed the correct response. Bayindir and Cunha showed on social media - and on the pitch - their delight at seeing United return to winning ways.
There was no bitterness or sulking that has occurred previously when players have been overlooked. Instead, the duo showed that the characteristics of being good teammates which seems simple, but it has often been lacking.
Now, the challenge is to ensure this togetherness remains when things are tougher. It is all well and good showing your team spirit when things are going to plan but it is in those tougher moments that this United squad need to band together.
The trip to Liverpool after October's international break will see the Reds experience moments of adversity, and it is up to every member of the squad to stick together. Bayindir and Cunha led the way this weekend and let's hope that team mentality spreads further and persists.
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