2
Against Bournemouth, Manchester United hoped to build on that 2-1 victory over West Ham, making them seen the Premier League Summer Series in style.
Fortunately that is exactly what they did, who comfortably beat the Cherries 4-1.
No matter how sweet if that victory was, it is even sweeter if you remember that United last season dropped four points to Bournemouth, at home and gone.
That said, there was plenty to take from the healthy victory.
Amorim has to find out his midfield
Although many expected Ruben Amorim to stay with the Kobbie Mainoo – Manuel Ugarte Midfield Pivot who made an impression in the 2-1 victory over West Ham, he chose to hire things.
He went with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, a partnership that was heavily criticized because he was too porous in the scoreless draw with Leeds.
Fernandes, who feared many, would leave too much space deep midfield with his tendency to roam, showed positional consciousness against the cherries.
He orchestrated the team, broke busy with creative passes several times and, if necessary, ran as if he was chasing points.
Casemiro was not that sharp. His lack of pace and quality agreement showed moments of weakness. He and Fernandes don’t quite click, and Amorim should now know.
United’s midfield struggled out of possession.
The team needs an athletic presence in the middle.
Based on their West Ham performance, the Mainoo -Augustarte Pivot remains the most effective option, unless a new midfielder arrives.
The stock of Dorgu continues to rise
Patrick Dorgu remains this biggest winner of United this preseason.
After being impressed in a cameo against Leeds, then again versus West Ham and Bournemouth, the 22-year-old looked fantastic.
Anxious and dynamic, he gradually becomes the player who believed Amorim he signed.
His all-action performance against a solid Premier League opponent, complete with a brilliant assist and a great goal, was the highlight of the game.
New signature Diego Leon needs something special to move it on the left wing.
No cunha, no problem
Cunha’s absence due to fatigue had delivered many United fans.
Against Leeds and West Ham, the Brazilian was electric, his intention and invention that started to unlock an attacking edge fans were desperate to see.
But his absence against Bournemouth did not derail the attacking game of the team.
In particular, Fernandes did not have to overcommission in the future.
Mason Mount (who even picked up an assist) and Amad Diallo (a touch rusty, but involved) both admirable as the 10S.
The Amorim project is visible: the press is coordinated, recovery runs are consistent and the system makes various players shine.
Long past the days are that a missing name would leave United in disorder.
With another victory over the opposition of Premier League, confidence will build under the United fans.
The next one is Everton, because Amorim’s side wants to close the Premier League Summer Series in style.
That said, while one or two areas still have to be tightened (and expected with two to three signing sessions before the new campaign), there is hope.
I hope that next season, United will finally have the bite to push himself well on the table.
That should be scary, but luckily, not for United fans.
Featured image Patrick McDermott via Getty Images
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