Manchester United produced a dominant display under difficult relationship to beat Bournemouth 4-1 in the Premier League Summer Series in Chicago.
The lively Rasmus Hojlund put the tone with his early header, and Patrick Dorgu added a second before the break when United outplayed the cherries through. Amad Diallo did it three in the second half before Ethan Williams came to make it four.
Matthijs de Ligt redirected the ball past Tom Heaton late in the game to offer some comfort to Andoni Iraola’s side, but United were worthy winners, Ruben Amorim’s players who look sharper.
United could not trust Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha – the latter omitted due to ‘fatigue’ – but it turned out no problem.
The victory is based on the 2-1 win over West Ham in their opening fixture. If United beat Everton in their last match they lift the trophy. More importantly, there are indications that these players are more comfortable in the form of Amorim now.
Analysis: Amorim -style takes shape?
Amorim had always insisted that the changes he would make at Old Trafford would be easier to implement during a summer, and there were encouraging signs in Chicago that the worst of his time at United could now be behind him.
There were lots of positive things in this performance against Bournemouth that went deeper than the result. Under difficult conditions, United moved the ball impressive and played with real intensity and no little cohesion. In other words, it was different.
There were exchanges between Bruno Fernandes and Mount, where the latter added weight to the theory that Amorim’s system will fit him in the long term. Dorgu, after proving to be a useful marketing market last season, suggested he can build on that promise.
This is before the season and there are dangers of reading too much in it – especially considering that new signings Cunha and Mbeumo did not contain. But maybe it’s a good sign too. The same players looked much better. Light at the end of a long tunnel to amorim.
Premier League Summer Series -Inventar and Schedule
Saturday 26th of July – Metlife Stadium, New Jersey
Everton 0-3 Bournemouth
Man utd 2-1 west him
Wednesday 30 July – Soldier Field, Chicago
West Ham 2-1 Everton
Thursday 31 July – Soldier Field, Chicago
Manchester United 4-1 Bournemouth
Sunday August 3rd – Mercedes -Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Bournemouth vs West Ham – 19:00 Kick -OFF, LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
Manchester United vs Everton – 22:00 Kick -OFF, LIVE ON SKY SPORTS