Manchester United Begin Crucial Preseason With 2-1 Win Over West Ham
Manchester United kicked off their Premier League Summer Series tour in the U.S. with a 2-1 win over West Ham at MetLife Stadium. Coming off one of the worst seasons in club history, finishing 15th in the league and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, this preseason is being looked at as one of their most important ever.
The match against West Ham followed a 0-0 draw with newly promoted Leeds United, a game that saw Matheus Cunha make his first appearance for the club. Bryan Mbuemo, the other headline signing of the window so far, wasn’t involved in this one due to fitness concerns having not been training much ahead of his move.
Bruno Fernandes, whose role has been the subject of debate this summer, started in the number 10 position alongside Cunha, operating higher up the pitch. That decision paid off quickly. After Ayden Heaven was fouled by Areola inside the box in the fifth minute, Bruno stepped up and coolly converted the penalty to put United ahead.
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The midfield was a strong point throughout the first half. Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte looked balanced and effective together. Ugarte in particular impressed with his aggression, energy, and ability to keep play ticking. Mainoo, though needing to improve his tempo according to Amorim, showed his usual confidence and calm on the ball. Their performance gives the manager a real decision to make, especially now with Bruno reminding everyone how dangerous he can be closer to goal.
In the second half, Bruno doubled his tally with a composed finish from the edge of the area, floating the ball past Areola in the 52nd minute. A brace from the captain was a clear response to the positional talk and will only complicate Amorim’s selection puzzle heading into the rest of preseason.
Defensively, United looked composed. Yoro and Dorgu especially impressed, both showing a maturity beyond their years. Bayindir also came up big in key moments, including a late save to deny Jarrod Bowen.
West Ham, under Graham Potter, had their own bright spells. Guido Rodríguez was key in their build-up, and they moved the ball well through the thirds, especially in the second half when what was essentially United’s second team came on. Bowen got on the scoresheet in the 63rd minute, running off the back of Heaven and finishing well from a tight angle with his weaker foot. The Hammers showed some clear structure in the second half and were nearly rewarded again through Bowen in stoppage time, but Bayindir stood firm.
For United, it’s a performance that offers a bit of optimism after months of disappointment. With two more matches to go against Bournemouth and Everton in the U.S., Amorim will be using this tour to fine-tune his system, build chemistry and figure out how to get the most out of the talent at his disposal, especially in midfield.
By: Jahvon Barrett / @jahvonbarrett
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Justin Setterfield / Getty Images