Fernandes Double Sinks West Ham in US Friendly

Khabor Wala Desk

Published: 27th July 2025, 4:48 PM

Fernandes Double Sinks West Ham in US Friendly

Bruno Fernandes netted a brace as Manchester United began their US tour with a 2-1 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League Summer Series on Saturday at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

In scorching conditions, United captain Fernandes capitalised on two costly errors from West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, handing new manager Rúben Amorim a positive start on American soil.

Match Summary: Manchester United vs West Ham

Team	Score	Goal Scorers
Manchester United	2	Bruno Fernandes (5’ pen, 52’)
West Ham United	1	Jarrod Bowen (63’)
Venue:	MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Tournament:	Premier League Summer Series

How the Match Unfolded

First Half

5th Minute – Penalty Goal
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring from the spot after Areola fouled Ayden Heaven, who had stolen possession. Fernandes sent the keeper the wrong way with a composed finish.

Second Half

52nd Minute – Second Goal for United
Areola again proved costly, playing a poor pass out from the back straight to Kobbie Mainoo, who quickly fed Fernandes. The United captain lifted a deft finish over the stranded keeper.
63rd Minute – Bowen Pulls One Back
Jarrod Bowen produced a clinical finish to reduce the deficit and later forced a sharp save from Altay Bayındır during injury time. Despite the pressure, United saw out the victory.

“It’s good to win, even being a friendly — we want to prepare ourselves in the best way and go into the season positively,”
said Fernandes post-match.
“We were good on the ball. At times we could’ve had longer possessions — we rushed it. But overall, a very good game for us.”

Manchester United Squad Update

Player	Status
Bruno Fernandes	Scored both goals, led the team as captain
Ayden Heaven	Won the penalty for the opener
Kobbie Mainoo	Provided the assist for the second goal
Bryan Mbeumo	New $87m signing – travelled but did not play

Bryan Mbeumo, United’s marquee summer signing, travelled with the squad but was left out of the matchday squad. His debut could come in the next match against Bournemouth on Wednesday in Chicago.

Bournemouth Cruise Past Everton in Same Tournament

In the earlier match at MetLife Stadium, Bournemouth secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Everton, continuing their strong pre-season under manager Andoni Iraola.

Match Summary: Bournemouth vs Everton

Team	Score	Goal Scorers
Bournemouth	3	Billing (55’), Ouattara (59’), Adu-Adjei (69’)
Everton	0	—

Bournemouth Goals Breakdown

Time	Scorer	Description
55’	Philip Billing	Turned away from his marker and rifled a shot past Jordan Pickford
59’	Dango Ouattara	Capitalised on Patterson’s error to hammer a shot past Pickford at the near post
69’	Daniel Adu-Adjei	Punished a poor backpass from Jake O’Brien with a composed finish

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, despite his international pedigree, was beaten three times in just 14 minutes after a subdued first half.

Premier League Summer Series: What’s Next

Fixture	Date	Venue
Manchester United vs Bournemouth	Wednesday (Next)	Chicago, Illinois
Tottenham vs West Ham	Wednesday (Next)	Chicago, Illinois

United’s next challenge will be against a high-flying Bournemouth, while West Ham will seek to recover against Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial clash.

With pre-season intensifying, Fernandes’ fine form and United’s improved link-up play will offer plenty of encouragement as they look to mount a serious challenge in the upcoming Premier League campaign.