Roefs stands tall but United’s early punch and set piece leave Sunderland with a reality check

Sunderland left Old Trafford with lessons and a narrow regret that their goalkeeper’s excellence did not earn a foothold in the match. Robin Roefs delivered a string of outstanding saves, yet Manchester United’s early breakthrough and a close-range second secured a 2-0 defeat in driving wind and rain.

There were moments—an early opening for Bertrand Traoré, a long-range effort that forced a low save, Chemsdine Talbi’s late strike—but the decisive episodes went against Régis Le Bris’ side, including a first-half penalty awarded and then overturned by VAR. After an impressive start to the season built on resolve, Sunderland’s lack of final-third punch was exposed at Old Trafford.

Bright opening dims after an early gut-punch

Sunderland began alertly, with Traoré nearly pouncing in the opening minutes. But United found a quick release valve when Bryan Mbeumo’s clipped pass reached Mason Mount, who controlled and finished into the corner after eight minutes for his first Premier League goal at Old Trafford.

The early concession allowed United to dictate rhythm and squeeze the middle of the pitch. Amad Diallo and Mbeumo repeatedly probed down the right, and while Roefs held firm, Sunderland were forced into difficult defensive footwork too often for comfort in the swirling rain.

Roefs keeps Sunderland in the contest

Roefs’ first-half work was exemplary, pushing aside two similar curling efforts from Amad and Mbeumo that were arrowing toward the bottom corner. He then produced the save of the game, springing at full stretch to nudge Bruno Fernandes’ arcing shot onto the post.

Those interventions kept the gap at one until a set piece undid Sunderland. Diogo Dalot’s long throw caused a flick-on in the six-yard area and Benjamin Sesko reacted fastest to turn in from point-blank range for his second goal in as many games.

Le Bris’ switch brings order, but set-piece slackness hurts

Recognising United’s joy through the lines, Le Bris made a proactive change around the 37-minute mark, replacing Simon Adingra with Dan Ballard to reinforce the back line. The reshuffle tightened space and stifled some of the hosts’ combinations, but it could not erase the damage already done.

Set-piece details ultimately proved costly. The Dalot throw led directly to the second goal, and similar chaos nearly repeated soon after. Sunderland’s defenders gathered for an impromptu inquest on the pitch, but the corrections arrived a little too late.

Penalty hope evaporates and chances dry up

Just before half-time came a lifeline that didn’t last. Referee Stuart Attwell awarded a penalty, believing Sesko’s high boot had caught Trai Hume as United tried to clear a throw-in. Replays showed no contact, the decision was overturned, and the deficit remained two.

After the interval, genuine opportunities were scarce. United’s debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens gathered two crosses late and stuck out a leg to block Talbi’s low effort, but otherwise was largely untroubled. Across the 90 minutes, Sunderland mustered just 0.71 expected goals—a reminder that defensive resolve needs company in the final third.

Perspective for Wolves and beyond

Sunderland remain sixth, with United climbing to eighth and trimming the gap to a point. The disciplined performances that underpinned recent results against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest provide encouragement, but this was a reality check about what’s required to hurt teams away from home.

Le Bris’ mid-half shift brought stability; now the task is converting organisation into incision. With Wolves visiting Wearside next, set-piece vigilance and sharper movement in the box will be the priorities—carrying forward Roefs’ form while finding the finish that Old Trafford never truly had to fear.