Atlanta will provide a memorable setting for the Manchester United faithful as Bryan Mbeumo is set to make his long-awaited debut against Everton in a third and final Premier League Summer Series outing.
Ruben Amorim has resisted the urge to unleash his new attacker until the optimal moment, with subtle integration and fitness remaining the Portuguese tactician’s top priorities.
Following a meticulous training plan designed to supply an ideal platform to build upon, Mbeumo has been harnessing his time at the club’s Chicago training camp, ahead of the mouthwatering prospect of a formidable partnership with Matheus Cunha.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is braced for a wave of expectant reds, while David Moyes hopes to provide the travelling Toffees with something to take from what has been a forgettable pre-season venture.
Manchester United aiming for a perfect three in Stateside finale
It’s fair to say that America has been kind to United thus far, with a promising display against West Ham followed by a truly impressive showing in a 4-1 victory against Bournemouth.
Admittedly, nobody is going to get carried away with the results of pre-season fixtures. Still, there is much for a fractured fanbase to embrace – from a visibly lean and athletic squad to a style of football that appears coherent and well-coached.
Cunha sat out the midweek outing against The Cherries due to fatigue, but is in line to return to the starting XI alongside an impressive Rasmus Hojlund and Mbeumo.
Amorim has witnessed the potential of his recruits firsthand and was visibly eager to get this evening’s fixture underway when addressing the media for his pre-match duties in the US.
“He [Mbeumo] is going to play – I’m really excited to see him play and what he can give to our team,” the former Sporting chief beamed.
Although speculation regarding the prospect of a move for Benjamin Sesko continues to entertain social audiences, a previously suggested pursuit of a new number one appears to have been put to rest.
“We are always looking to improve the team, and we have characteristics we would like to have,” Amorim continued. “But it depends on the market and depends on sales.
“You can see the goalkeepers – Tom [Heaton] is leaner, Altay [Bayindir] did really well, and [Andre] Onana is going to be better like the other guys that are getting better this year.”
Despite an apparent confidence in the much-maligned Cameroonian shot-stopper, a frustrating hamstring injury has prevented any form of action thus far, with this evening coming too soon for a return.
Ironically, there is a suggestion that Onana may feature in the final friendly outing against Fiorentina at Old Trafford, with former Manchester United legend David de Gea set to line up in opposition.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (3-4-2-1): Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Heaven; Amad, Bruno, Ugarte, Dorgu; Cunha, Mbeumo; Hojlund
Date: Sunday, August 3
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States
Kick-off time: 22:00 BST / 17:00 Local time
Will you be tuning in for our final pre-season outing in America? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Primary image via manutd.com
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