Bruno Fernandes provided a brace in New Jersey as Manchester United began their US tour with a comfortable 2-1 win against West Ham at MetLife Stadium.
The Portuguese star opened the scoring from the penalty spot after five minutes, before doubling his tally with a trademark strike from distance seven minutes after the restart, again highlighting his undeniable quality for an adoring audience.
Ruben Amorim’s side showcased plenty of cohesion, fluidity in transition, and attacking intent throughout, with the heavily-scrutinised Rasmus Hojlund unlucky not to notch a deserved goal on the night.
Jarrod Bowen pulled one back in the 63rd minute following a momentary lapse of concentration from an otherwise assured midfield pairing of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.
But what did we learn from a successful Premier League Summer Series opener from a United side that is determined to right the wrongs of a 15th-place campaign?
Bruno is again integral in a confident Manchester United attack
On an evening where Fernandes was installed in a right-sided 10, completing an attacking trio of Matheus Cunha and Hojlund, evidence of a renewed understanding was visible from the outset.
The 30-year-old played his Danish teammate through inside 60 seconds, with the young striker highlighting his qualities in bursting onto the ball, impressively outmuscling Max Killman before racing 40 yards and rattling the woodwork with a superb effort from distance.
Bruno’s brace stamped his undeniable importance to the team, but the presence of Cunha supplied another sense of quality and arrogance in the final third, with the pair seemingly singing from the same hymn sheet.
Speaking after the game, Amorin highlighted the importance of his “leader” and the help he will have throughout the upcoming campaign.
“I think now he has more players, I feel, to help him to lead the group, and that is a good thing,” he stated.
“Sometimes, the problem is he gets frustrated and loses a little bit of the focus of his job. Sometimes, he wants to help the teammates so much – it is not the best thing to do.
“They have to do their job, and Bruno has, for example, to wait for the ball.”
Although the outing came too quickly for Bryan Mbeumo, many feel the Cameroonian star will occupy the space beside Cunha, inevitably pushing Fernandes into a withdrawn midfield role.
Naturally, this opens the door for debate about who can and will partner him effectively, with the pairing of Mainoo and Ugarte impressing for much of their 68-minute showing in the centre.
Amad and Patrick Dorgu were effective out wide, albeit the former took some time to grow into the tie and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when his first-half finish was ruled out for a marginal offside.
In defence, the starting trio of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Ayden Heaven were never under any pressure, with a sense of calm and composure throughout the backline, emphasised by Heaven’s confidence to maraud forward and win his side’s penalty after five minutes.
Truthfully, despite a late onslaught from a typically impressive Bowen, Altay Bayindir didn’t have much to do outside of picking the ball out of the net.
Central to Amorim’s plans throughout the pre-season preparations is a desire to cultivate morale within his squad and enhance a positive dressing room.
This was key in ensuring that long-term absentee Lisandro Martinez and his recovering teammate, Andre Onana, were with the group in the States.
The former Sporting chief remained true to his pre-match intentions of giving his starting XI increased playing time, introducing 10 changes after 68 minutes.
He claims that every squad member has an opportunity to earn their place, and no decision has been made regarding his selection for a crucial Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17.
While there is still work to be done, and the drop-off in intensity following a changed outfield was to be expected, this was a job well done for a side aiming to maximise their time in America.
United will now make the trip to Chicago for a Thursday meeting with Bournemouth at Soldier Field, where an expectant supporter base awaits the sight of an Mbeumo debut.
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