Rúben Amorim has singled out four Manchester United players for praise following the club’s thumping 4-1 win over Bournemouth in pre-season.
Manchester United maintained their impressive pre-season momentum with a 4-1 win over Bournemouth in their third match of the 2025 tour, as Rúben Amorim’s side continued to shine in the United States.
The Reds made a fast start and were in front within 10 minutes, with Rasmus Højlund glancing home a header from Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu’s inviting cross.
Dorgu was involved again for United’s second, playing a key role as the lead was doubled on 25 minutes, rounding off a dominant opening half.
United kept their foot on the gas after the break, and Amad added a third with a sharp finish following a scramble in the penalty area.
With 20 minutes left, Amorim shuffled the pack, and substitute Ethan Williams made an instant impact—slotting in the fourth after a bursting run and assist from new arrival Diego Leon. A late Matthijs de Ligt own goal made no real difference as United secured a comfortable win in Chicago.
Amorim buzzing for United’s goalscorers
After Bruno Fernandes netted both goals against West Ham in New Jersey a few days ago, it was fantastic to see four separate United goalscorers against West Ham. Amorim was equally as happy, praising Dorgu, Højlund, and Williams for their efforts.
“For me, it’s more than a goal,” the head coach said of Højlund after full-time. “For him, it’s more important the goal, and for the fans, maybe it’s more important the goal. We need goals.
“But the way he’s linking the play in this moment, the way he’s fighting for the balls, sometimes we are pressed, we can kick the ball, and he’s connecting the ball. That is so important for us to play better. So he’s doing a very good job.”
On Dorgu, he was equally as impressed. “It’s impressive. He’s 20 years old,” Amorim said. “He looks more and more like he belongs in Manchester United, and that is hard to do it [at] 20 years old.
“But he’s so powerful, he’s getting his technique in his game, he’s defending so well, he’s pressing so well. So I’m really impressed with Patrick.”
The boss also received some special praise for Williams’ finish, saying, “I celebrate that goal. It’s not usual, even during the season, but I celebrate that goal, because I really like to see the kids that work really well.
“They didn’t have a lot of space during trainings, but still they are there, they understand the idea, they pressed, they fight. So I’m really pleased with them. They control the game. They try to score more goals, so I’m really pleased.”
Fernandes’ position change looks permanent
One topic of significant debate so far this pre-season has been where Fernandes will be playing long-term, with the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, and the possible addition of Benjamin Šeško at striker filling up the new first-choice front line.
While he looked a little lethargic against Leeds and played a more advanced role against West Ham, Fernandes was back to his brilliant best against Bournemouth as part of the midfield two, with Amorim keen to highlight the club captain’s intelligence.
“I think it was really important, the connection with Amad, the ability to control the ball inside and outside to maintain possession,” Amoirm said of Fernandes’ control and tempo.
“Bruno is a player [who is] really smart, that can control the tempo of the game, so I’m really happy with him.”
While the Portuguese international is no doubt an effectivbe player on the front three, many signs point toward his deeper role being the more permenant place for Fernandes next season.
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