Man United’s starting XI for their season opener is already beginning to take shape.
Whisper it quietly but Manchester United have looked quite good in their opening two games of their pre-season tour of the United States.
After a forgettable 0-0 draw against Leeds United in Stockholm a fortnight ago, the Reds have made significant strides since arriving in the US.
As a result, United will be hoping to clinch the Premier League Summer Series trophy with a maximum points haul when they face Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday night.
United made it two wins out of two with a comfortable 4-1 win over Bournemouth in midweek, getting the job done via goals from Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad and substitute Ethan Williams.
United played with a sense of purpose, producing a really encouraging performance. Although pre-season caveats have to be accounted for, their performance was energetic, vibrant and really encouraging.
The tempo they set allowed them to move the ball with speed and a sense of conviction. One of the biggest criticisms they have faced in recent years has been for how uninspiring they have been to watch.
Clearly adapting and becoming more and more familiar with Ruben Amorim’s system, United’s improved collective performances have raised the levels of several individuals. Patrick Dorgu, who arrived from Lecce in February, was particularly impressive against the Cherries, contributing a goal and an assist.
With just two pre-season friendlies remaining, Amorim’s team selections for the clashes with Everton and Fiorentina could provide a firm indication of the starting XI he has in mind for the season opener against Arsenal.
United have signed Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo so far this summer and are still hoping to bring in a goalkeeper, a midfielder and a striker, meaning Amorim’s dream starting XI is still a few signings short of coming to fruition.
Nevertheless, looking at the landscape of the squad as it is now, a crop of positions should be occupied by players the Portuguese chief already has available to him. Some positions have greater strength in depth than others, but that does not necessarily mean there isn’t an obvious candidate to occupy top spot in the pecking order.
Leny Yoro has been excellent in United’s opening two games in the US, playing an excellent range of passes and demonstrating his hunger and ability to get on the ball and drive United up the pitch.
The youngster is a shoo-in for the right-sided centre-back berth and will be one of the very first names on the teamsheet this season.
In the wing-back department, Amad and Dorgu were both on target against Bournemouth. The latter has been superb in the opening two games of the tour and was involved in both of United’s first half goals against the Cherries.
Amorim wants his wing-backs to operate as wingers and occupy attacking positions. Dorgu did exactly that against Bournemouth and West Ham, pushing high up the pitch.
Amad started as the right-sided No.10 against Bournemouth, but his starting position could change depending on what Amorim considers as Mbeumo’s best position. The Cameroonian could feature for the first time this weekend.
Bruno Fernandes was not on the scoresheet against Bournemouth, but his performance was just as influential. He regularly got on the ball in the centre of midfield and combined with Mason Mount and Amad in the No.10 berths.
The Portuguese international is United’s best player by some distance and will be a shoo-in for however long he remains at Old Trafford, meaning he could afford to have a dire pre-season and still make the team for the first competitive game of the season. His influence and importance is unrivalled.
Fernandes linked up brilliantly with Cunha against West Ham and they will be hoping to develop a fruitful bond this season. The Brazilian has arrived from Wolves for £62.5million and has quickly demonstrated the sort of qualities he will bring to Old Trafford.
His running power, technical ability and creativity levels inside the final third make him a guaranteed starter. He is also a natural fit for the left-sided No.10 spot.
Mbeumo is yet to appear in pre-season so far, but the chances are he will join the list of undroppables once he’s up to speed. The rest of the spots in the XI, however, are firmly up for grabs.
2025-08-02 04:00:00
