One of Manchester United’s stars put in a “sensational” starting XI audition as Rúben Amorim’s men defeated West Ham 2-1 in pre-season.
Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United registered their first pre-season win with a 2-1 triumph over West Ham in New Jersey, powered by a brace from Bruno Fernandes.
The match began with intensity in humid conditions, as Rasmus Højlund struck the outside of the post within two minutes. United’s strong start was rewarded shortly after when Fernandes converted from the spot to give his side the lead.
Amad appeared to have added a second before the break following a slick move sparked by Manuel Ugarte, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Fernandes’ penalty remained the only goal heading into half-time.
United kept up the pressure after the interval, and Fernandes netted his second with a clever finish over Alphonse Areola, after Kobbie Mainoo won the ball high up the pitch.
West Ham responded through Jarrod Bowen midway through the second half, but a wave of substitutions from Amorim helped United see out a confident performance and secure the win.
Ugarte was sensational against West Ham
After some were left uninspired by the midfield performance of Casemiro and Toby Collyer against Leeds, Amorim elected to select Ugarte and Mainoo together at MetLife Stadium, and the duo were fantastic.
While Mainoo was helping to remind the world of his fantastic talent, it was Ugarte who put in a blinding display in the middle of the park, including a “sensational” nutmeg and pass to set up Amad for his disallowed goal.
Across his 65 minutes, Ugarte shocked fans with an unbelievable performance, playing fast and direct football with the ball at his feet, always looking to progress the play.
Off the ball, he continued to be his usual energetic self, forcing turnovers in both the middle and final thirds, setting off multiple counter-attacks in the process.
Amorim has a major midfield decision to make
United’s midfield has been an intense topic of conversation across the last few months, with many feeling that the side needs a defensive midfielder who can better cope with the system’s demands.
However, Ugarte’s audition against West Ham has firmly put him in the conversation about who should start in the two midfield spots against Arsenal. Both places are still available.
Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United vs West Ham (Premier League Summer Series)
Fernandes, Mainoo, Ugarte, Casemiro, and Collyer are all options in the middle of the park, with there yet to be a duo who have been able to shine through the rest – and if United secure a new midfield signing before the window closes, this only adds to the weight of the equation.
The Arsenal tie will be one where Mikel Arteta’s men look to dominate, meaning whoever the midfield pairing is will have to work hard against the likes of Martin Zubamendi and Declan Rice.
If Mainoo and Ugarte continue to play as they did in New Jersey, Amorim may have to squeeze Fernandes into the front line to keep the captain in the starting XI, forgoing one of Cunha, Højlund, or Bryan Mbeumo.
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