Manchester United stormed to the top of the Premier League Summer Series table with a commanding 4-1 win over Bournemouth in Chicago, continuing their impressive pre-season form under Ruben Amorim.
Goals from Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo, and teenage prospect Ethan Williams sealed a dominant win for the Red Devils, whose only blemish was a late own goal by Matthijs de Ligt.
Amorim’s experimental lineup saw Bruno Fernandes deployed deeper alongside Casemiro, and although Matheus Cunha missed out due to fatigue, United fans had plenty to cheer about at Soldier Field.
On a day when the club made a formal approach for RB Leipzig’s €70 million-rated Benjamin Sesko, current striker Rasmus Hojlund sent a timely reminder of his value. The 22-year-old opened the scoring in the eighth minute, meeting Dorgu’s cross with a glancing header inside the post. Though he later claimed a touch on Amad Diallo’s strike, only the first goal was officially credited to him.
It was a composed and confident response from Hojlund amid rumours he could be used in a potential swap deal for Sesko.
United doubled their lead before the break thanks to Dorgu, who muscled past Julian Araujo after a quick-thinking free-kick from Mason Mount and fired low past Djordje Petrovic, who might have done better with the save.
Second-half goals from Amad Diallo and Ethan Williams rounded off an energetic display, with Amorim’s side again showcasing sharp pressing, slick passing, and superior fitness – traits already evident in their earlier 3-1 win over West Ham.
There were further encouraging signs from Luke Shaw, who started again as a left-sided centre-back. After a difficult injury-plagued 2023/24 campaign, the 30-year-old is easing back into form. Despite an early scare from a Semenyo challenge, Shaw delivered a solid performance, including a crucial first-half tackle to stop a Bournemouth counterattack.
Amorim’s methods are already beginning to show, with quick restarts, fluid build-up, and tactical cohesion improving with each game. United have now secured back-to-back wins on tour and appear to be building momentum ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17.
While De Ligt’s late own goal gave Bournemouth a consolation, it did little to sour an otherwise near-perfect night for Manchester United.
