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.
