Manchester United remain unbeaten in their pre-season preparations after securing an exciting win over Bournemouth in Chicago.
It’s two wins from two for Manchester United in the United States, with Patrick Dorgu, Rasmus Hojlund, Amad Diallo and Ethan Williams on the scoresheet in a 4-1 win.
An unfortunate own-goal from Matthijs de Ligt in the dying minutes meant United were denied a clean sheet.
It was known before kick-off that new signing Bryan Mbeumo would be left out, but Matheus Cunha was rested as well. Ruben Amorim explained that the Brazilian was fatigued.
However, the absence of United’s two new signings didn’t stop the Red Devils from putting on an impressive showing. There were plenty of talking points from the victory:
Patrick Dorgu runs the show
Patrick Dorgu has been world-class in pre-season and yet he managed to step up to new heights against Bournemouth.
Dorgu was compared to Patrice Evra for his lung-busting runs forward, and he was a constant attacking threat down the left flank.
The 20-year-old supplied a brilliant assist for Hojlund’s opener, before adding a goal of his own from a quickly taken free-kick.
Dorgu promised to improve next season after settling into new surroundings in his first six months, and he looks poised to hit the ground running in 2025/26.
Bruno Fernandes solves Ruben Amorim headache
With Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha still to come into this side, there have been plenty of questions asked about where captain Bruno Fernandes will play.
Fernandes has played in central midfield this pre-season, and once again, Amorim trusted him in a deeper role against Bournemouth.
The 30-year-old proved that he is more than capable of playing in a deeper role next season. His defensive work was outstanding, even heading towards the 70th minute when he sprinted back to make a vital tackle.
If Fernandes continues to adapt to a deeper role, it frees up both Mbeumo and Cunha to play in the No.10 positions either side of a striker. The Portuguese playmaker will undoubtedly also spend stints further forward, meaning Amorim has plenty of exciting options when selecting his side.
Rasmus Hojlund looks hungry
News this week has been dominated by United prioritising a move for Benjamin Sesko. Ineos have begun talks with RB Leipzig over a potential deal for the 22-year-old.
However, Hojlund isn’t willing to give up his starting spot without putting up a fight, and he has looked extremely determined to prove doubters wrong this summer.
Hojlund impressed against West Ham in the last match, and this time around, he opened up his goalscoring account on tour with a well-placed header.
Not only did Hojlund etch his name on the scoresheet, but his hold-up play was much neater and his attacking movement was sharp.
Ruben Amorim’s vision is clear
Amorim had the impossible task of trying to implement an entirely new style of play midway through last season.
The Portuguese head coach repeatedly said he needed more time on the training pitch with his squad, and now fans are seeing the effect of that in pre-season.
Amorim demanded intensity and control and got both from his players. The Red Devils pressed high from the first minute, with all 11 United players often camping in Bournemouth’s half.
The Cherries couldn’t handle United’s intensity, and it is clear that both the tactical and fitness work done by Amorim and his staff this summer is having a big impact.
There was a clear identity and recognisable patterns of play, and there is still plenty more to come from this side.
Ethan Williams grasps golden opportunity
When Amorim named his 32-man travelling squad for the US tour, Ethan Williams was given a golden opportunity as a last-minute inclusion.
After 70 minutes of action against Bournemouth, Amorim made nine changes, including a first appearance on tour for Ethan Williams.
Just a few minutes later, he didn’t give up on a loose ball from Diego Leon’s marauding run before scoring United’s fourth of the match.
Reports claimed Amorim has ‘taken a shine’ to Williams and it is clear to see why in his short cameo. The 19-year-old is making the most of his time on tour and could cement a first-team spot for the upcoming campaign.
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