Manchester United’s third pre-season fixture of their 2025 tour saw Rúben Amorim’s men secure a thumping 4-1 win over Bournemouth.
Rúben Amorim chose to rest Matheus Cunha and start Amad and Mason Mount in attack as Manchester United took on Bournemouth for their third pre-season friendly of the summer.
The tie began with United playing high-intensity football, and it did not take long for Amorim’s men to reap their rewards as Rasmus Højlund nodded in a soft header after Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu’s cross, securing a lead within 10 minutes.
United continued to dominate both in and out of possession, and it wasn’t long before the side doubled their lead as Dorgu secured his second goal involvement of the night on 25 minutes, holding their lead until the end of the half.
The Reds continued their onslaught as the second half started, with Amad adding their third of the night, capitalising on a scuffle in the box with a laser-sharp finish after the ball fell to him after some positive build-up.
Amorim made nine changes with 20 minutes remaining, and Academy forward Ethan Williams made an immediate impact after a driving run from new signing Diego Leon, scoring United’s fourth and final goal of the night. Matthijs de Ligt then turned one into his own net with just minutes remaining, but this was inconsequential as United recorded a brilliant win in Chicago.
#1 – Amad’s building his sharpness
Amad has been touted as Amorim’s first-choice right wing-back next season amid the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo, but with the Cameroon international yet to play as he builds up his fitness, the 23-year-old was handed a start as part of the front three.
While Mbeumo is expected to contribute a significant attacking output to his new side next season, it was Amad’s defensive contributions that stood out, showing that he is becoming ever more suited to Amorim’s attacking wing-back role.
As the game continued, his sharpness picked up, netting United’s third of the night with a late run into the box. Those late runs were perfect last season, and if he is to play at wing-back, they could become a trademark of his.
#2 – Casemiro responds to Ugarte’s performance
The biggest question mark ahead of the new season is who will start alongside Bruno Fernandes as part of the deeper midfield two, and Manuel Ugarte put in a “sensational” display against West Ham.
However, it was Casemiro who was handed the nod against Bournemouth, but he failed to inspire United. He took up many similar positions to Ugarte last week, but while the latter was effective with the ball at his feet, Casemiro felt cluncky and erratic, often rushing his passes and tackles.
Ugarte replaced him with 20 minutes to play, once again playing alongside Kobbie Mainoo, and United looked calm and composed on the ball, which may well spell danger for Casemiro and his status in the squad.
#3 – Dorgu the biggest beneficiary of pre-season
It’s not hard to pick out who United’s best player was during the Thursday evening tie in Chicago, with Dprgu’s stunning performance catching the eye of every fan casting even a momentary glance at the game.
It is quickly becoming clear that Amorim’s most significant beneficiary of pre-season is the Danish international. Having signed from Lecce as a winger in January, he was thrown into a new league during a very turbulent time, and it took him a while to adjust to his unique role.
However, with the player able to take five weeks off to work on his fitness and physicality, plus every minute of pre-season training on the pitch to understand his role, the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one that will completely revolutionise Dorgu ahead of the coming season.
#4 – It’s impossible to pick Yoro’s best position
Last season, a big surprise was the vast improvement of Leny Yoro between his debut in December and his status as a starting player by March. The 19-year-old was brilliant at left centre-back following the injury to Lisandro Martínez.
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While many pointed to Yoro as the potential long-term successor to the Argentine on that side of Amorim’s back three, the last two pre-season fixtures have reminded many how well he can play on the right side, too.
Yoro was class with the ball at his feet, combined well with Dalot and Amad, and was spraying a few trademark cross-field passes against Bournemouth, firmly re-planting the idea of his role on the right side ahead of next season.
#5 – Amorim’s pre-season is going to plan
Throughout the second half of last season, Amorim was steadfast in saying that he thought fans would see a completely different side of him once he had time on the training pitch with his team. So far, pre-season is proving him right.
Having spent just over three weeks with almost his full squad available, barring a few injuries, and also having his three signings so far at his disposal for the last week or so, United’s players look significantly more settled into their roles and working as a cohesive unit.
Amorim’s 3-4-3 requires a high level of team cohesion and a set of players who understand that their whole is worth more than the sum of their parts. Across the three pre-season fixtures so far, this mentality appears to be paying off.
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