MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is braced for a Red invasion as Manchester United and West Ham meet for a Premier League Summer series outing.
The 82,500-seater arena, home to New York’s Giants and Jets, is expected to be close to capacity when action gets underway at 7:00 PM local time (12:00 AM BST).
In what will be United’s second fixture of the off-season following a scoreless draw with Leeds in Stockholm, Ruben Amorim is set to alter his approach ahead of a crucial domestic campaign.
Despite an underwhelming attacking display in Sweden, it is imperative to remember that players are building towards match fitness, having only returned to Carrington earlier this month.
Critically, team morale and cohesion are a fundamental topic of interest for the management team ahead of this evening’s encounter, with an undeniable sense of positivity emanating from the training camp.
“We need to give more time” | Manchester United vs West Ham
With fixtures against West Ham, Bournemouth, Everton, and Fiorentina before a mouth-watering Premier League opener against Arsenal on 17 August, the United faithful are desperate for a show of intent from their underperforming side.
Despite a never-ending online narrative, Amorim believes in the abilities of his squad and is eager to begin establishing the roots of his vision.
“We are going to give more time to the starting XI,” the Portuguese told club media after a successful session at Soldier Field in Chicago.
“We are going to make changes during the second half, but we need to give more time, to have that impact in the players. It’s important for them to have more time to feel the game, but it’s not a decision [about] who’s the best starting XI to start against Arsenal. We are going to see things.
“But, of course, we need to give more time because it’s not the same to play for just 45. We need to increase the time.”
Newly-acquired Bryan Mbeumo joins Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon as part of those vying for minutes, with Ruben praising his high-profile attacking recruits and their abilities to transform his side.
“Yes, they can play as a striker. We have Josh [Zirkzee], we have Rasmus [Hojund], so our focus is to improve the connection between them,” the former Sporting chief stated when quizzed about the duo’s ability in attack.
“I don’t know if the positions are there for them – they have to work. They have other players who are fighting for that position.
“But, again, I am really pleased because they proved that the qualities they have – they are really humble, that is really important, and the best thing, they chose to be here.”
Mbeumo sealed his dream move from Brentford for £65 million, with many anticipating a right-sided 10 berth to add Premier League proven quality in the final third of Amorim’s intricate system.
Both Cunha and Leon were installed from the start at the Strawberry Arena, with Bruno Fernandes notably occupying a withdrawn midfield role and Amad applying his trade in the right wing-back slot.
With pursuits for Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko ignoring the obvious financial situation at the club, Hojlund may very well receive his desired opportunity to lead the line with an established partnership supporting his attacking endeavours.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI (3-4-2-1) | Bayindir, Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw, Amad, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mount, Cunha, Hojlund
You can watch the action live via MUTV and Sky Sports, and we will provide live text updates via Twitter for those unable to tune in.
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