Manchester United brushed aside Bournemouth 4–1 in the Red Devils’ best performance of preseason.
Rasmus Højlund began the game much like he did against West Ham United, except the Dane found the back of the net instead of hitting the woodwork. A goal that the player celebrated and rightfully so given the struggles he has faced as a Man Utd player. Not the most technical goal, and it was the deftest of touches, but one that could catapult him forward into their final U.S. tour game. The striker delicately directed a Patrick Dorgu cross into the back of the net.
The supplier turned scorer less than 20 minutes later after he was played through by Mason Mount. A goal and an assist against a Bournemouth side that has lost key players in the summer, but one that is coming off a record season highlights a positive start for the young defender looking to make a name for himself at Old Trafford.
The Cherries pushed on and put Man Utd under pressure with their talented attackers including Dango Ouattara, Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson. Reserve keeper Tom Heaton had to make some stops and looked shaky at times, but he preserved a clean sheet heading into the tunnel.
Chicago lived up to its nickname as the ‘windy city’ as conditions worsened before players came back out for the second half. Still, even with rain and the wind, Man Utd continued to push on as Amad Diallo tallied a third for the Red Devils. Ruben Amorim made one change at halftime bringing on Matthijs de Ligt for Harry Maguire before making a wholesale of changes at the 70 minute mark.
19-year-old striker Ethan Williams put the cherry on top for the night scoring a fourth off the bench. The game ended on a sour note with a De Ligt own goal, but it should not distract from the overall performance.
Likely the most positive takeaway from the game for Man Utd fans is the cohesion the team showed. Players were rotating to cover space, recognising game situations and looking like a side that is improving from a full preseason under their manager.
Manchester United player ratings from the match below.
