🔴 Manchester United Dominate First Half with 2-0 Lead Over Sunderland
📍 Manchester United continue their strong form at Old Trafford, ending the first half of their clash against Sunderland with a comfortable 2-0 lead in Matchweek 7 of the 2025-2026 Premier League season.
⚽️ Mount Opens, Sesto Doubles the Lead

🔹 Mason Mount opened the scoring in the 8th minute after a brilliant assist from Bruno Fernandes, slotting the ball skillfully past the goalkeeper — marking his first Premier League goal of the season.

🔹 In the 31st minute, Benjamin Sesto capitalized on sustained pressure from United, converting a pinpoint cross from Bryan Mbeumo into the second goal of the match — his third of the season.

🔍 Tactical Dominance from United

🧠 The Red Devils controlled most of the first half with high possession and quick ball movement, applying intense pressing that unsettled Sunderland’s backline.

📉 Sunderland, on the other hand, struggled to build from the back, with little connection between midfield and attack, and no real threat posed to Lamins in goal.

📊 Key First-Half Stats:

💯 Possession: 61% for United
🎯 Shots on Target: 7
🟢 Passing Accuracy: Over 85%

🏆 Premier League Standings Implications

🔴 Manchester United
▪️ A win would take their tally to 10 points
▪️ Temporary move up to 8th place
▪️ Would mark their 3rd win in the last 6 matches

🟡 Sunderland
▪️ Currently 6th with 11 points
▪️ Record before the match:

✅ 3 wins

🤝 2 draws

❌ 1 loss
▪️ A defeat could knock them out of the top six temporarily

🔝 Title Race Snapshot

📌 Despite United's strong showing, Liverpool remain at the top of the table with 15 points, having scored 12 goals and conceded 7 in their first 6 games.

⚠️ Any slip-ups from the leading teams could open the door for Manchester United to close the gap, especially as their performance continues to improve week by week.

🧤 Manchester United Starting Line-up

🔺 Goalkeeper: Lamins
🔺 Defenders: Dalot – De Ligt – Yoro – Luke Shaw
🔺 Midfielders: Casemiro – Mount – Bruno Fernandes
🔺 Forwards: Mbeumo – Sesto – Diallo

📝 The setup focused on dynamic movement in the final third, with consistent pressure down the flanks and quick transitions exploiting Sunderland's defensive vulnerabilities.

📌 The match is still underway, and the second half is expected to bring changes from both sides — either to secure the win or mount a comeback.