Manchester United showcased a new-look, more energetic squad. The USWNT found their groove next, registering a 2-1 win over West Ham in opposition during their Summer Series build-up at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The game was the final match before their pre-season preparations began on the 3rd of August, kick-off 10 pm. As far as stars go, Bruno Fernandes was the only star, scoring both goals for Brazil. Though I wouldn’t have thought it possible, this win came just days after a dominant 3-0 performance against Everton.
Sporting’s ecstatic head coach Ruben Amorim couldn’t be happier with his squad’s first half display. He noted that it was “night and day from last year.” It looks like the culture change in the locker room and making sure the right players were in the right roles helped lead to this turnaround. It took Amorim until the 65th minute to make significant substitutions to the starting XI. He recruited heavy hitters, namely Casemiro and Mount to rattle cages.
Changes in Squad Dynamics
Manchester United’s changing squad dynamic has been on full display in their last two matches. Amorim’s choice to make bold substitutions at the start of the second half shows a clear tactical plan to create value through player optimization. The lineup after going defensive after 65 minutes continued to see Bayindir, Shaw, Fredericson, Maguire, Leon, Dalot, Fletcher, Casemiro, Collyer, Mount, Obi.
Fernandes was quick to recognize that the new roster has given him more help on the pitch. He commented last year, he was able to at times shunt him backwards to win possession higher up the pitch during the build-up. So they left Bruno wide open around the box. With different qualities to Bryan [Mbeumo] and Matheus Cunha… he’ll have a bit more support this year. This support is invaluable as Fernandes looks to be a more influential figure in open play attacks.
Bryan Mbeumo was tipped to make his debut against Manchester United. Following recent international duty, he wasn’t in sufficient shape to be included in the matchday squad. Still, his prospective arrival underlines the quality in depth that Amorim is clearly trying to build in the squad.
Fernandes Leads by Example
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, who doubled their lead against West Ham. He displayed his leadership, motivating his teammates in the locker room and on the field. Amorim was quick to praise the Portuguese international, stating, “Now he has more players, I feel, to help him to lead the group and that is a good thing. He is our leader and really important.” The coach noted Fernandes’s extraordinary intensity of purpose and amazing work ethic. He admitted to having enough frustration in a day to derail him.
Fernandes’s performance against West Ham signaled his importance in the squad’s overall strategy. His versatility to play multiple positions up front has been key in allowing Manchester United to make a greater number of chances. He commented on his physical readiness, saying, “Bruno runs a lot… It’s not about that. Physicality with Bruno is not a concern, playing him deep or as an attacking midfielder.”
Upcoming Fixtures and Expectations
When their match against West Ham is over, Manchester United needs to continue that momentum. They are scheduled to play Bournemouth on July 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago as part of their pre-season campaign. The match will kick off at 2:30 am local time. The palpable excitement around this team is a given, considering all the ways they overperformed last season as they prepare to begin the 2023-2024 season.
Amorim is still optimistic about continuing to build on this momentum. “That can change, you saw in the second half, there are players who can play in the first game,” he remarked regarding potential adjustments to the starting lineup as they progress through pre-season.
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