Manchester United played their first game in the USA preseason tour, where they beat West Ham United 2-1.
The Red Devils shone, with new signing Matheus Cunha stepping up and captain Bruno Fernandes, bagging a brace.
This preseason will be a fantastic opportunity for Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff to experiment with new tactics as well as focus on players’ fitness.
Thankfully, The Red Devils can take a lot of positives as well as negatives from this game.
Here are five things we learned from this game.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
1. Bruno Fernandes continues to show his class
Captain Bruno Fernandes didn’t disappoint again today.
Fernandes scored a fifth-minute penalty and added his second just after half-time from outside the box.
He didn’t only bag two goals but his overall game kept getting better as the game continued.
Fernandes’ positional discipline helped him score the goals but also create chances, so he’ll be looking to play a huge part in the upcoming season.
With the new signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo set to play in the number 10 roles, Fernandes could potentially play deeper.
Either way he will be looking to have a huge impact once again next year.
2. Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro: The future of the defense?
Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro both started in the back three today and played over 60 minutes.
This was the first time the duo have set up together, as the pair didn’t get the chance play alongside each other last season due to injuries.
Despite being on opposite sides of the defence, they both had equally good games.
Heaven is still only 18, with Yoro still being 19, showing their abilities despite their youthful age.
Manchester United fans can be excited, as both look like promising players long-term and in the present moment too.
3. Matheus Cunha shows his class
Manchester United signed Brazilian star Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million this summer.
The forward played 60 minutes like Heaven and Yoro, playing in the number 10 role.
Once again, Cumha didn’t disappoint.
Despite not being at his very best, he enjoyed himself in the tight spaces and did well to create opportunities.
The glimpses of his ball-carrying ability were also shown in the first half to help United in transition.
United fans can get excited with their new Brazilian signings, with promising signs being shown already.
4. Midfield duo of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte excels
The midfield has been an ongoing debate within the fanbase.
Last season showed a lot of struggle in the middle, with teams constantly overrunning us, leading to counterattacks and attacks in general.
While the club are still actively looking for a new number six, their current options could save them a lot of money.
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo started the game together today in the pivot, and they also didn’t disappoint.
They both complemented each other well this game, with the duo stopping plenty of attacks.
Ugarte did well to win the ball back several times, while Mainoo showed glimpses of his incredible debut season.
This could well be the beginning of the partnership that was hoped for when Ugarte was signed last summer.
5. Rasmus Hojlund redemption?
Rasmus Hojlund started the game in the number nine role and also played over 60 minutes, still holding his role of first-choice striker.
After a poor last season, the club has been looking for a new striker, with Ollie Watkins being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Hojlund was linked with a move to several Italian giants, but it seems like the Danish attacker might stay.
With Hojlund potentially staying, it could open an opportunity for redemption.
The Danish striker played a good game, making several good runs in behind and nearly scoring in the first few minutes.
Thankfully, his positioning looked much better, and he looked sharper in general.
If he finds form again, he could prove a lot of people wrong next season.
