With the help of Bruno’s brace, Man United beats West Ham 2‑1 in pre season friendly
Man United got their pre‑season on track with an energetic 2‑1 win over West Ham in New Jersey, powered by a standout performance from captain Bruno Fernandes, who scored both goals in a convincing display under new manager Rúben Amorim.
Early Spark: Bruno’s Composed Penalty
From the opening minutes, United pressed with intensity. Within 60 seconds, Rasmus Højlund smashed a shot off the post after a well-timed through-ball from Bruno Fernandes The Sun+7ESPN.com+7The Standard+7. But just minutes later, Bruno Fernandes delivered the breakthrough. West Ham’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola fumbled a high cross and then fouled teenage defender Ayden Heaven as he recovered, earning a clear spot‑kick. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and calmly slotted home, giving United a deserved 1‑0 lead and marking their first goal of pre‑season The Standard+3Sky Sports+3ESPN.com+3.
Commanding First Half and Missed Chance to Double Lead
Following that early goal, United dominated possession and pinned West Ham back with relentless pressing. The midfield pairing of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo anchored the game, allowing Fernandes to operate higher up the pitch. From there, he orchestrated chances, with Amad Diallo nearly doubling the lead after Ugarte deftly set him up—but the flag went up for a tight offside just before he finished The Sun+4ESPN.com+4The Sun+4. Meanwhile, Matheus Cunha linked up well with Bruno but couldn’t convert his opportunities into goals YouTube+15Goal+15The Sun+15.
Second-Half Brilliance: Bruno Strikes Again
Just after the break, the momentum continued. West Ham’s Areola miscontrolled possession again under Kobbie Mainoo’s pressure, gifting United a shooting opportunity. Bruno Fernandes collected the ball on 20 yards out and curled a beautiful strike into the far corner, doubling the advantage in clinical fashion Diario AS+9Sky Sports+9The Sun+9.
Bowen’s Reply and Defensive Lapses
Despite United’s early dominance, West Ham responded through Jarrod Bowen. A clever solo run and finish cut the deficit to 2‑1 midway through the second half, exploiting holes that United’s youthful defensive shape left exposed—particularly noticeable against substitute Ayden Heaven, who was caught out by Bowen’s pace Wikipedia+6The Sun+6The Standard+6.
Game Management and Substitutions
After Bowen’s goal, Amorim made wholesale changes around the 65th minute, bringing on senior players including Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Mason Mount, while resting Bruno and other starters. Altay Bayindir in goal made a key save late on to deny Bowen an equaliser, helping United see out the victory despite a wave of second‑half pressure from West Ham substitutes Diario AS+15Sky Sports+15ESPN.com+15.
Standout Performers
Bruno Fernandes was the standout, delivering calmly from the penalty and then scoring a long-range curler—reminding fans why he remains indispensable at Old Trafford ESPN.comThe Sun.
Patrick Dorgu, the young left flank dynamo, impressed with his pressing and attacking runs, unsettling West Ham’s defense repeatedly Reddit+4The Sun+4The Sun+4.
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo formed a solid base in midfield, with Ugarte showing composure on the ball and Mainoo enabling the press that led to Bruno’s second goal Reddit+6ESPN.com+6The Sun+6.
Rasmus Højlund had a positive work rate and opened the match with a strong chance that hit the post, though he remains in need of a debut goal ESPN.com.
Conversely, the midfield duo of Mainoo and Ugarte showed mixed control in transition phases, and the defensive unit had moments of vulnerability under pressure from Bowen and Co.
Tactical Notes and Managerial Takeaways
This match provided a glimpse into Amorim’s style: high pressing from the front, dynamic transitions, and attacking width. United consistently clogged passing lanes and used their forwards to isolate defenders. The early substitution of Bryan Mbeumo, who didn’t feature due to fitness concerns, limited options in attack—but the evident growing chemistry between Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha looks promising as a playmaking axis The SunGoal.
Amorim’s post-match notes stressed improvement in midfield fluidity and defensive coordination—calling out positional issues that allowed Bowen’s goal. He emphasised that while the win was promising, the team must tighten organization before competitive matches begin The Sun.
Overall Summary
Final Score: Manchester United 2‑1 West Ham
Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on July 26, 2025 Reddit+15ESPN.com+15The Standard+15
Goals: Bruno Fernandes (penalty, early first half; spectacular long-range strike, early second half); Jarrod Bowen (solo goal for West Ham)
Key Players: Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Højlund
Tactical Highlights: Energetic high press, quick transitions, strong midfield support—but with occasional defensive lapses and need for better composure in the final third.
Managerial Outlook: Elite confidence in Bruno’s leadership and early signs of cohesion with new signings; still work to do in organization and match rhythm before season opener.
This match marked a turning point in United’s pre‑season. Bruno Fernandes’s brace provided the spark, but Patrick Dorgu’s pressing energy, Ugarte/Mainoo’s midfield stability, and glimpses from Cunha and Højlund offered genuine hope. With further training and tactical sharpening, United left New York with not only a win, but momentum heading into the next stages of the Premier League Summer Series.
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