EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Manchester United kicked off their preseason tour of the U.S. with a 2-1 win over West Ham at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.
There was a place for new signing Matheus Cunha in Ruben Amorim’s starting XI, but Bruno Fernandes showed he’s still the main man by scoring both United’s goals.
The second was a fantastic effort from outside the box to help Amorim record just his 10th win against Premier League opposition in 34 attempts.
Amorim needs this summer to go well after a difficult start as United boss and his team started brightly against West Ham in New Jersey. Rasmus Højlund hit the post after just 55 seconds after being sent through by Fernandes.
The Danish striker did well to hold off Max Kilman and make the chance for himself, but saw his effort crash off the outside of the upright.
It’s an important summer for Højlund as United continue their search for a new No. 9.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring his first of two goals for Man United against West Ham.
Emilee Chinn – Premier League/Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee is still recovering from the hamstring injury that kept him out for the final months of last season and Højlund, who has been linked with moves to Inter Milan, Napoli and Juventus, will get an opportunity to impress.
Fernandes is perhaps the only player sure of his future at Old Trafford and it was the Portuguese midfielder that scored United’s first goal of the summer from the penalty spot.
Alphonse Areola made a mess of a cross and then fouled Ayden Heaven trying to make up for it. Referee Thomas Bramall pointed to the spot and Fernandes calmly made it 1-0.
United almost made it 2-0 before half-time when Manuel Ugarte, who looked assured in midfield, danced through two West Ham challenges and laid a chance on a plate for Amad Diallo.
Amad found the far corner with his finish, but had strayed just offside.
Ugarte was paired in midfield with Kobbie Mainoo. It allowed Fernandes to be pushed forward into one of the two No. 10 roles and he made the most of being closer to goal.
He should have got his second when he nicked the ball off Kilman and went clean through on goal. His shot was saved by Areola, but the West Ham goalkeeper could do nothing about Fernandes’ next effort.
After collecting the ball on the edge of the box thanks to a darting interception from Mainoo, he looked set to shoot inside the near post before whipping the ball into the far corner.
Jarrod Bowen pulled a goal back for West Ham with an impressive run and finish before Amorim made mass changes just after the hour mark.
Altay Bayindir was called on to make a late save to deny Bowen an equaliser and the much-changed team held on to record United’s first win of the summer and ensure Amorim can take early positives on what is an important trip to the U.S.
