MANCHESTER, England (AP) — New Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was in the starting lineup for the first time for the Premier League game against Sunderland on Saturday, while $84 million forward Matheus Cunha was dropped.
Following the loss to Brentford last week, coach Ruben Amorim's changes paid off when United won at Old Trafford 2-0 through goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.
Lammens, a $24.7 million signing from Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day, kept a clean sheet on debut and earned United's first shut out of the season.
Cunha, a summer signing from Wolves, was named only on the bench against Sunderland, while Amad Diallo and Mount were recalled. Mount responded by giving United an early lead with a goal in the eighth minute.
United's troubled start to the season has increased speculation over Amorim's position. United had lost three of its six league games and was knocked out of the English League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby.
Victory helped to ease the pressure on Amorim ahead of the international break.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Manchester United's goalkeeper Senne Lammens reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
Manchester United's goalkeeper Senne Lammens stands on the pitch prior to start of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
HOUSTON (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 30 points, Alperen Sengun added 25 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists and the Houston Rockets won their third straight with a 140-116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in an NBA Cup game on Friday night.
Durant, who had 16 points in the first period, finished 12 of 19 from the field. Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points, Amen Thompson had 19 points and Reed Sheppard 13.
The Rockets have won eight of their last nine games and improved to 1-1 in NBA Cup play. Houston shot 50%, including 17 of 45 on 3-pointers. The Rockets forced the Trail Blazers into 20 turnovers and converted them into 30 points.
Tari Eason left with a bruised right hip after being bumped and falling to the floor. He went to the locker room with a trainer midway through the second quarter.
Deni Avdija had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Shaedon Sharpe added 19 points and eight rebounds, Toumani Camara scored 16 points and Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant each had 13 for Portland, which fell to 1-1 in NBA Cup play. The Trailblazers shot 47% and were 13 of 36 from 3-point range.
Leading 58-57 with 2:44 left in the second, Houston ended the half on an 11-3 run and took a 69-60 lead into halftime on a tip-in by Josh Okogie. The Rockets opened the second half with an 8-0 run to increase the lead to 17 points on a 3-pointer by Okogie with 10:49 left in the period. Houston’s lead never dipped below 10 the rest of the way.
Trail Blazers: At Dallas Mavericks on Sunday in the finale of a five-game trip.
Rockets: Host the Orlando Magic on Sunday to finish a three-game homestand.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) defends against Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe, left, during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game in Houston, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III, right, tries to keep the ball in play during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Houston, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie, center, dunks during the second half of an NBA Cup basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Houston, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant celebrates after a 3-pointer during the second half of an NBA Cup basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Houston, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) passes against Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) during the second half of an NBA Cup basketball game in Houston, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
