United Beyond Manchester

It’s a new season, and no other player welcomes that more than Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane wants to remain a Manchester United player, but needs to impress in preseason for that to happen, especially if Benjamin Sesko arrives from Leipzig. In the win over Bournemouth, Hojlund showed signs of life in his 70 minutes on the pitch.

Just seven minutes in, Hojlund opened the scoring for the Reds with a clever flick past the keeper. The chance came from a perfectly weighted cross by Patrick Dorgu, impressively delivered with his weaker foot, setting up the young striker to make it 1–0.

Dorgu, who has had a fantastic start to the preseason, scored a second before the 25th minute. Mason Mount caught the Cherries sleeping, and played a ball over the top on a quick free kick. Dorgu latched on, took a touch, and buried the ball into the far corner, scoring his first goal in all competitions for the club.

Amad Diallo added a third after halftime to put the game out of reach. Youngster Ethan Williams sharply netted his first senior goal shortly after coming on in the 70th minute to make it 4-0. Bournemouth got on the scoresheet late, but it came from an unfortunate Matthijs De Ligt own goal.

It was an impressive performance from United following their win over West Ham, as Ruben Amorim’s tactical ideas continue to take hold. There’s a growing clarity in how he wants his side to play with quicker passing, sharper pressing, and more disciplined positioning at the back. United defenders are also closing down space more effectively, giving opposition attackers less time and room to operate.

While improvements are still needed, the preseason has been a positive one so far for Amorim and Manchester United.

The Reds face Everton in the last match of the U.S. Tour before finishing preseason play at Old Trafford against Fiorentina.