Manchester United were absolutely dominant in a resounding 4-1 win over Bournemouth at Soldier Field in Chicago in what was the second match in their Premier League Summer Series campaign.It was a nea...
Manchester United were absolutely dominant in a resounding 4-1 win over Bournemouth at Soldier Field in Chicago in what was the second match in their Premier League Summer Series campaign.
It was a near-flawless performance from Man United, who were enjoying some momentum after defeating West Ham United 2-1.
First half
United got the match off to a quick start, earning a corner kick. Mason Mount’s delivery looked threatening, yet no player in the box could connect.
Bruno Fernandes managed to take a shot from the left, forcing the goalkeeper to parry. Rasmus Hojlund was poorly positioned to scoop up the rebound.
Seven minutes in, United were off to the perfect start. Patrick Dorgu drilled a precise cross to Hojlund, who, with the faintest of touches, headed the goal to the far post, out of reach of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. 1-0 to United in front of a jubilant crowd at Soldier Field.
Bournemouth launched a spontaneous counter, with Antoine Semenyo bursting down the left wing. Luke Shaw showed great awareness to track back and commit a surgical slide tackle to dispossess the pacey winger.
25 minutes in, Dorgu was in on goal again, embarking on a sensational solo run into the box to get on the end of a creative Mason Mount through ball. The wing-back showed great composure to jockey Julián Araujo and slot the ball past Petrovic into the back of the net. 2-0 to United.
Just as it looked like the Cherries pulled a goal back courtesy of Semenyo, he was ruled offside. It was a lucky escape for United, who needed to show more focus at the back.
The crowd filled the stadium with boos after Julio Soler brought down Fernandes and the referee failed to acknowledge the foul. While Dango Ouattara managed to get a shot away, Tom Heaton did brilliantly to parry his blistering attempt.
It was a bright first 45 minutes of play from United, who clearly dominated the flow of play and reaped the rewards of their attacking efforts, providing their American fans plenty to rave about.
Second half
An almost unchanged lineup retook the field for the second half, with United enjoying a comfortable two-goal lead. The only substitute was Matthijs de Ligt, who replaced Harry Maguire.
Three minutes in, Fernandes curled in a shot from the edge of the box that veered past the far post. Still, the referee pulled back play for a free kick on the edge of the box.
Fernandes tapped the ball to Mason Mount on the right, whose shot slammed the upright. It was an intelligent play from United to catch Bournemouth off guard.
Moments later, United earned another free-kick on the edge of the box after Hojlund was fouled.
Amad Diallo took the set piece, hitting the wall and going out for a corner that was wasted. The weather took a turn for the worse, with the rain crashing down to make life harder for the players on the field.
Still, United did not allow the harsh weather to impact their performance.
In the 53rd minute, Amad Diallo charged into the box, receiving a pass from Fernandes before burying the ball into the back of the net for a substantial three-goal lead.
Past the hour mark, a Bournemouth shot was deflected by De Ligt onto the crossbar. Off the subsequent corner, Semenyo received the ball inches from goal, pushing the ball goalwards with his foot to force an impressive leg save off the goalline from Heaton.
66 minutes in, United earned a corner. De Ligt did well to rise to the occasion, thumping a header goalward to force the keeper to tap the ball over for another corner.
With over 20 minutes left to play, manager Ruben Amorim decided to make nine substitutions, replacing every outfield player aside from De Ligt.
Then, in the 72nd minute, academy graduate Ethan Williams grabbed his first senior goal for the club.
New arrival Diego Leon embarked on a scintillating solo run, being brought down in the box. Williams showed great awareness to pounce on the loose ball, making no mistake as he buried the ball in the back of the net. 4-0 to a dominant United.
Right after the restart, Chido Obi tried to get on the scoresheet, surging goalward before thumping his shot over the bar.
On the stroke of full-time, Bournemouth got a conselation goal. While attempting to block an incoming ball, De Ligt accidentally flicked it into his own net.
Despite this error, United could feel proud as they earned a resounding 4-1 victory, showing their vast improvement in form this summer.
Starting XI: Heaton, Dalot, Maguire, Mount, Fernandes, Hojlund, Dorgu, Yoro, Amad, Casemiro, Shaw Subs: De Ligt, Mainoo, Williams, Leon, Ugarte, Collyer, Obi, Heaven, Federicson, Mantato
Featured image Patrick McDermott via Getty Images
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Category: General Sports
