Manchester United have kicked off their Premier League Summer Series campaign with a victory, defeating West Ham United 2-1 at a vibrant MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday.
The Red Devils were the sharper of the two sides in the opening stages, with striker Rasmus Højlund striking the woodwork in the opening minutes. Their early pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty, which captain Bruno Fernandes calmly slotted home to give his side a deserved lead.
The starting lineup featured new summer signing Matheus Cunha, who played in an attacking midfield role just behind Højlund. The Brazilian linked up well with Fernandes, and the pair showed promising signs of a developing partnership.
Manager Ruben Amorim opted to keep the same eleven on the pitch for the start of the second half, and his decision was quickly rewarded. Just a couple of minutes after the restart, Fernandes grabbed his second goal of the game, catching the West Ham goalkeeper wrong-footed to double United’s advantage.
West Ham pulled a goal back in the 63rd minute through a well-taken effort from Jarrod Bowen. Following the goal, Amorim made a wholesale change, substituting every outfield player to see out the game.
Notably absent from the matchday squad was major new signing Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroonian forward is with the team in the U.S. but did not participate as he continues to work his way back to full match fitness. He could make his debut when United play Bournemouth in Chicago on Wednesday.
Overall, it was a solid performance for Manchester United to begin their tour, with an influential, match-winning display from their captain, Bruno Fernandes.