Senne Lammens’ introduction was one of a number of positives for United.
They have now won three home games in a row for the first time in over two years. That first clean sheet is important and if results elsewhere go their way they may enter the international break in the top half of the table.
Yet Ruben Amorim, who went into the game under huge pressure amid conflicting reports about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s support for him, needs much more.
The trip to Liverpool on 19 October has the potential – again – to mark United winning two consecutive Premier League games for the first time in well over a year. They have been in this position twice already this season, gone away from home, to Manchester City and Brentford, and lost.
“There is no momentum,” said Amorim. “We know what happens when we win one game. The frustration is not to see the same team at home and away.”
Amorim needs to get a sequence of positive results to persuade the hierarchy and the fans he can deliver the meaningful impact United were searching for when they employed him nearly a year ago.
After Liverpool comes a sequence of fixtures – Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Everton, Crystal Palace – that will determine his future.
Goalscorer Mason Mount said after the game the players are behind Amorim. The former Sporting coach can feel that too.
“I know they want to do their best and I know they don’t want to change the coach all the time,” said Amorim.
“But like I said during this week, to be with the manager is: ‘I will kill myself to go in every transition’. We need to show with actions.”
Read Simon Stone’s full analysis of Lammens’ debut and United’s win here
