Manchester United continued their promising pre-season form with a commanding 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League Summer Series on Thursday morning.
Despite the absence of new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, United looked revitalized under manager Ruben Amorim, who praised the transformation he’s seen in the team compared to last season.
“Even with the same players, they look like a different team,” Amorim said after the match. “It was just a pre-season game, but you can feel the difference in intensity, aggression, and understanding of the system. That’s a good sign.”
The win follows United’s 2-1 triumph over West Ham, making it back-to-back victories in the summer competition. Amorim credited his players for adapting quickly to tactical adjustments.
“We had better possession compared to the last game. The players are listening. We changed some positions and you can tell they’re more comfortable and confident,” he said. “Scoring early also gave us a big boost. Luke Shaw was very strong, and we controlled Evanilson and Semenyo quite well in one-on-one situations.”
Rasmus Højlund opened the scoring for United amid ongoing transfer interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško. Amorim was full of praise for the Danish forward’s performance and overall contribution.
“People focus on goals, but Højlund is helping us in more ways—his hold-up play, his movement, and how he connects the team. We’re playing better because he’s playing better,” Amorim added. “I’m really happy with him, and while no one knows what will happen before the window closes, what matters is that our strikers are working hard and helping the team.”
Patrick Dorgu added a second before the break as United outplayed the Cherries throughout. Amad Diallo made it three in the second half before academy graduate Ethan Williams came on to make it four.
Matthijs de Ligt diverted the ball past Tom Heaton late in the game to offer some consolation for Andoni Iraola‘s side but United were worthy winners as Ruben Amorim’s players looking sharper throughout.
United could not count on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha – the latter omitted due to ‘fatigue’ – but it proved no problem.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola also had high praise for United’s display.
“They are a hell of a team,” he said. “We’re still far from their level at the moment. They’ve signed really well, and today they showed they are above us.”
Analysis: Amorim’s Style Taking Shape at United?
Rúben Amorim always maintained that meaningful change at Manchester United would require time—and more importantly, a full pre-season. Judging by United’s performance against Bournemouth in Chicago, there are tentative signs that his vision is beginning to take shape.
While pre-season results often carry little weight, this 4-1 win offered far more than just a flattering scoreline. In challenging conditions, United played with intensity, purpose, and cohesion—hallmarks that were often missing last season. It wasn’t just the outcome that impressed, but how it was achieved.
There was a fluidity in United’s movement, particularly in midfield, where Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount linked up with increasing understanding. Mount, in particular, looked sharper and more decisive, lending credence to the idea that Amorim’s system could finally unlock his full potential.
Patrick Dorgu provided a lively outlet down the left, suggesting his promising end to last season was no fluke. The tactical tweaks were evident: quicker transitions, better positional rotations, and more verticality. The players looked more confident—and more importantly, more in sync.
Notably, this progress came without two of United’s high-profile summer arrivals, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. That could be interpreted as a positive sign. The players who underwhelmed last season are now thriving in a system that suits them—a sign that Amorim’s methods are beginning to resonate.
Of course, it’s only pre-season. Reading too much into friendlies can be dangerous. But for a manager who endured a rocky start to life at Old Trafford, this performance—more than the result—offered a glimpse of hope. There might just be light at the end of what has been a long, difficult tunnel.
United will wrapped up their Summer Series campaign in the US this weekend against Everton as Amorim fine-tunes the squad ahead of the new Premier League season with their opener against Arsenal scheduled for August 17.
If United beat Everton in their final game then they will lift the trophy. More importantly, there are indications that these players are more comfortable in Amorim’s shape now.