Man Utd wonderkid seized golden opportunity vs Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim impressed

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Manchester United’s preparations for the 2025/26 season are going from strength to strength this summer, with one youngster now seizing his chance.

After how horrifying Manchester United were last season at times, confidence heading into pre-season was at an all-time low. However, fast forward to the end of July, with two weeks until the Premier League starts and it is the opposite.

Ruben Amorim’s weeks on the training ground have paid off, with United looking like a completely different side throughout pre-season.

The clearest example of this came on Thursday morning when United beat Bournemouth 4-1 in Chicago, a truly dominant performance which shows us where the team is at.

Rasmus Hojlund and Patrick Dorgu starred in the game, both getting on the scoresheet to emphasise how good they were.

However, the biggest winner on the field may have only arrived off the bench during the final 20 minutes.

• READ: Man United Pre-Season Tour 2025: Fixtures, dates, kick-off times and how to watch

Ethan Williams grabs Manchester United opportunity with both hands

Pre-season usually sees a youngster or two breakout for Manchester United and establish themselves as a viable first team option.

Kobbie Mainoo did it two years ago and last year was Toby Collyer, but 2025 looks likely to see Ethan Williams emerge as the breakout star of the tour.

Williams was a late inclusion for United in the tour squad, having originally being set for a loan, however after impressing in training he earned his chance and against Bournemouth it finally came.

The 19-year-old came off the bench for the final period of the game and made an immediate impact as he scored with his first touch of the ball.

Diego Leon did well to pick up the ball and carry it forward, before Williams then cut inside and dribbled into the box before finding the near bottom corner.

It may only be pre-season, but scoring against Premier League opposition is nothing to be baulked at, with Williams’ goal being the pick of the bunch.

To emerge from the bench and have such a huge impact on proceedings is huge from Williams and showcases why the club are so excited about him.

With places in Amorim’s team open, Williams may have just staked his claim to be considered.

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

Ruben Amorim delighted for Ethan Williams

Williams’ impressive cameo was praised after the game by Liam Bradford on MUTV, who outlined his excitement to see the academy star shining.

After his goal, Amorim was also quizzed over his thoughts on Williams by MUTV, to which the head coach admitted he celebrated the goal and heaped praise on Williams and other youngsters.

“I celebrate that goal. The reason I celebrate is because I really like to see the kids who work really well during training. They press, they fight so I am really pleased with them, they controlled the game and tried to score more goals.”

Last season, United didn’t have lots of debutants, with the conditions not perfect, however in a well-oiled machine, we can see that wonderkids are able to step in and make a difference.

Williams in particular looks like he is ready for this level, so he is one to watch this season.