One of Rúben Amorim’s Academy stars has issued a defiant transfer message following Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth.
Manchester United continued their strong pre-season form with a commanding 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in the third match of their 2025 tour, as Rúben Amorim’s side impressed once again in the United States.
United set the tone early with an intense start, and they took the lead inside 10 minutes when Rasmus Højlund nodded in a precise header from Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu’s delivery.
Dorgu remained heavily involved and was instrumental in the second goal, helping double the advantage on 25 minutes as United took firm control before the break.
The second half saw more of the same, with Amad pouncing on a loose ball in the box and firing home a tidy finish to extend the lead further.
In the closing stages, Amorim rotated heavily, and it paid off when Academy forward Ethan Williams slotted in a fourth after a powerful run and assist from new signing Diego Leon. A late own goal from Matthijs de Ligt proved inconsequential as United wrapped up a confident performance in Chicago.
Williams’ cameo vs Bournemouth was special
While much of the focus from the Bournemouth tie will be on just how well Amorim’s first-team players performed, there were some fantastic little cameos in the final 20 minutes that deserve recognition.
No moment was more special than Williams finally scoring his first goal for the senior side. He was initially left out of the pre-season tour squad but was added at the last minute after Harry Maguire had to stay behind.
“It’s mad, I can’t believe it,” Williams admitted when speaking to club media about his lovely finish. “It still hasn’t really sunk in, to be honest.
“It’s a dream come true, and I’m so happy right now. I’m thinking about all the moments, all the hard work I’ve been through. You know, I feel so blessed and so happy to be given this opportunity. To score, it’s mad. I can’t even explain how I am feeling, to be honest.”
Williams’ wants to stay at United this summer
Ahead of United’s tour, news broke that Williams was one of five Academy players United were planning on loaning this summer, but his performances in training and goal against Bournemouth may turn Amorim’s head.
Williams caught the eye of Amorim during the opening few weeks of pre-season training, and the 19-year-old has explained that he wants to stay at United this summer.
“Obviously, I want to stay here and, obviously, my long-term goal is to play for the first team,” Williams declared. “It’d be a dream. It was a dream tonight to score.
“Hopefully, I’ll keep going, stay humble and keep trying to progress around these great players at this great club.
“I already messaged my dad. He put in so much hard work, he’s sacrificed everything for me and my little brother to do this. I was straight on the phone, messaging him, [saying] I can’t believe I just scored.
“He was like: ‘I told you.’ Because we were kind of manifesting it for some time now. For me to finally take this experience, and actually go ahead with it and score, it’s a crazy feeling.”
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