One of Manchester United’s young stars has reminded Rúben Amorim about a secret trait that Matheus Cunha will greatly appreciate.
Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United recorded their first pre-season victory with a 2-1 win over West Ham in New Jersey, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice to seal the result.
The game began at a frantic pace in the humid East Coast conditions, as Rasmus Højlund hit the outside of the post just moments after kick-off. United capitalised on their early pressure when Fernandes converted a penalty to give them the lead.
Amad looked to have added a second after a dazzling run by Manuel Ugarte, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Fernandes’ spot-kick remained the only goal going into the break.
In the second half, United kept the intensity high and Fernandes bagged his second, chipping the ball over Alphonse Areola after Kobbie Mainoo won the ball in the final third.
Jarrod Bowen pulled one back for West Ham shortly after, but Amorim made a full set of outfield changes to help see the game out and secure a deserved win.
Yoro’s secret talent on full display vs West Ham
Last summer, many of United’s faithful were keen to watch new £52 million signing Leny Yoro in action during pre-season. However, the Frenchman fell victim to an ankle injury during his second game of the summer.
While last summer’s minutes were short for Yoro, he played some fantastic cross-field passes from United’s right side to the left flank, but upon his return with Amorim at the helm, these faded out once he became the first-choice option at left centre-back.
But, with Ayden Heaven handed that position against West Ham on Saturday evening, Yoro was able to once again flourish on the right-hand side.
As well as defending with his trademark poise and acumen, the young star unleashed some “beautiful” cross-field passes throughout his 65 minutes on the field, firmly reminding Amorim and others of a secret trait that had been forgotten last campaign.
Cunha will appreciate Yoro’s passes
If Yoro is to nail down that right centre-back role under Amorim long term, the biggest beneficiary will be Matheus Cunha.
The new 26-year-old signing looked increasingly sharp against West Ham and linked up well with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu on the left flank, with this duo hopefully becoming a force to be reckoned with in the coming season.
Yoro’s long-range passes, switching the play from right to left, will be Cunha’s bread and butter. The Brazilian thrives when he has the ball at his feet and space to run into, and if Yoro can supply him these conditions with quick, cross-field passes, Cunha will eat the ground ahead of him up.
Combined with the possibility that Dorgu could also be receiving these passes and bombing into space on the left touchline, Amorim may have found himself a fantastic fail-safe option to quickly turn defence into attack next season.
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