Manchester United continued their pre-season efforts, moving over to the US for the main bulk of their summer warm-ups. Taking part in the Premier League Summer Series across the west-coast of the country, Amorim will be keen to test his developing squad against fellow Premier League challengers West Ham, Everton and Bournemouth, who all put United to the test last season and will give an early indicator of improvements being made at the club.

With Mbeumo left out of the squad due to fitness levels along with Onana and Martinez who remain out with injury despite travelling, United fans in the states were treated to 2 XI’s taking part in the clash which showed a bit more of the options in midfield, the defensive setups available and some more evidence of how Cunha is settling into his new club, while captain Bruno Fernandes still remains to lead the way for the club.

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Teams

Manchester United: Bayindir, Heaven (Shaw 66′), De Ligt (Maguire 66′), Yoro (Fredricson 66′), Dorgu (Leon 66′), Mainoo (Casemiro 66′), Ugarte (Collyer 66′), Amad (Dalot 66′), Fernandes (Mount 66′), Cunha (Fletcher 66′), Hojlund (Obi-Martin 66′)

Subs: Heaton, Munro, Kone, Mantato, Williams

West Ham United: Areola, Aguerd (Irving 79′), Kilman, Todibo (Mavropanos 71′), Wan-Bissaka, Soucek (Guilherme 79′), Ward-Prowse (Scarles 79′), Rodriguez (Paqueta 72′), Diouf (Fearon 79′), Bowen, Fullkrug (Potts 72′)

Subs: Foderingham, Golambeckis, Casey, Walker-Peters, Orford, Kante, Cornet

Manchester United 2-1 West Ham United

Manchester United began their Premier League Summer Series campaign in fine form with a 2–1 victory over West Ham United at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday night/Sunday morning. The Red Devils wasted no time asserting themselves, within the opening minutes, Rasmus Højlund struck the post before United were awarded a penalty after Alphonse Areola mis‑handled a cross and fouled Ayden Heaven. Bruno Fernandes stepped up confidently to slot in the spot‑kick and give United the lead.

The second half opened with more pressure from United, and soon enough Fernandes doubled his tally. Patrick Dorgu pressed high to win possession inside West Ham’s half, before setting up Fernandes for a trademark curled strike from outside the box that nestled into the far corner on 52 minutes. West Ham responded through Jarrod Bowen, who produced a spectacular angled finish on 63 minutes to pull one back. United made wholesale changes after the hour mark but held firm, with goalkeeper Altay Bayındır denying a late Bowen effort to preserve the win in stoppage time.

For manager Rúben Amorim, it was a positive debut result in the U.S. tour and a timely reminder of Fernandes’ leadership and match‑winning quality. The captain’s brace highlights his irreplaceable influence on the pitch, especially amid interest from Saudi Arabia which he ultimately rebuffed. While summer signing Matheus Cunha showed encouraging link‑up play in only his second appearance, the defence displayed vulnerabilities that allowed Bowen’s goal, areas that Amorim will surely look to tighten up before the season proper.

Talking Points

Manchester United’s 2-1 win over West Ham United in their Premier League Summer Series opener came with one notable omission: Bryan Mbeumo. The summer signing from Brentford, widely anticipated to make his debut in New Jersey, was left out of the matchday squad due to fitness concerns. While club sources described the decision as being just down to the player not yet having reached the fitness level due to a slow start to pre-season at Brentford given his upcoming move, Mbeumo’s absence left fans and pundits alike curious about how successful the transfer may be for United and whether he can hit the ground running as fans hope.

Once again, Bruno Fernandes was the heartbeat of United’s midfield and the difference-maker in the final third. The captain opened the scoring from the penalty spot and added a second with a superb curling effort early in the second half, both goals reinforcing his status as United’s most consistent attacking threat. In a summer clouded by speculation over his future, the Portugal international continues to deliver with composure and conviction. Amorim praised Fernandes’ “really important” influence post-match, and rightly so as the 30-year-old led by example in what was a sharp, if at times experimental, United performance.

Beyond the headline acts, United fans were treated to promising performances from some of the club’s squad. Matheus Cunha impressed in the No. 10 role, linking play intelligently and showing glimpses of chemistry with Fernandes. Kobbie Mainoo was typically composed in midfield, dictating tempo with the maturity of a seasoned pro. Patrick Dorgu, pressing high and setting up Fernandes’ second, showed what he can offer as a wing-back. Meanwhile, Ayden Heaven, who earned the penalty for the opener, looked fearless and dynamic for a player of his age and experience. While the result hardly mattered, it was the strength of these performances that offered the clearest sign of Amorim’s vision beginning to take shape.