The buzz around Manchester United’s big summer signings might be loud, but on the pitch, Bruno Fernandes is reminding everyone exactly who’s boss. Despite the club splashing out over £130 million on new attacking talent, the Portuguese captain stole the show during their pre-season opener in the Premier League Summer Series.
A Winning Start in New Jersey
Playing at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Fernandes scored both goals in United’s 2-1 win over West Ham.
His first came from the penalty spot after Ayden Heaven was brought down by Alphonse Areola.
Then, in the second half, Fernandes produced a moment of magic—faking a shot and then calmly chipping the ball into the opposite top corner after a poor clearance from Areola was intercepted by Kobbie Mainoo.
He could’ve had a hat-trick too, had he not fluffed a golden opportunity early in the second half.
Regardless, it was a confident and commanding performance from a player who dragged United through a disastrous 15th-place finish last season.
Choosing Loyalty Over Saudi Millions
There were real fears among fans that Fernandes might jump ship this summer, especially after a massive offer came in from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
But instead of taking the money, he chose to stay at Old Trafford—a decision that feels even more significant now given how he started this campaign.
Even with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha joining to take over the No. 10 roles in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, Fernandes looked sharp playing further forward, while Mbeumo continues to build fitness before his debut.
Hojlund Still Has Work to Do
Up front, Rasmus Hojlund looked bright in the early stages.
Within the first minute, he cracked a shot off the outside of the post and showed some tidy footwork before lifting another shot over the bar.
There were shades of his debut a year ago—when he scored against Arsenal in LA but then got injured minutes later.
This time, at least, he made it through more than an hour before Amorim swapped out his entire outfield lineup.
But by then, Hojlund’s influence had started to fade. He’ll be hoping for more consistency when United face Bournemouth in Chicago next week.
Mainoo and Ugarte Impress in Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte formed the midfield pair, and both looked solid.
Ugarte, who had a tough first season in England after his £50 million move from PSG, looked rejuvenated.
Just before halftime, he danced past multiple West Ham players to set up a disallowed goal for Amad Diallo.
Mainoo also had a notable moment—he cut out a sloppy pass from Areola that led to Fernandes’ second goal.
It’s a promising sign from a player who’s struggled to adapt to Amorim’s system while also dealing with a drawn-out contract situation.
Behind-the-Scenes Access Trial Begins
One of the more unusual elements of this U.S. tour is the trial of new broadcast access rules.
For the first time, Premier League teams are being asked to open their dressing rooms to cameras and make coaches or players available for mid-game interviews—as long as the questions stay positive.
In New Jersey, NBC got a peek inside United’s dressing room before the match, and Amorim became the first United manager to do a halftime interview.
He praised the team’s first-half display and hinted at full-scale changes before the 70-minute mark—which he followed through on.
A Lukewarm Crowd at MetLife
Surprisingly, the turnout at MetLife Stadium was underwhelming.
Despite United’s massive popularity in the U.S., the 82,500-seat venue was barely half full. Organizers had hoped the crowd would swell after the Bournemouth vs.
Everton match earlier, but that never really happened.
With upcoming games in Chicago and Atlanta, the Premier League will be watching ticket sales closely.
This could be a sign that the U.S. football market—fresh off hosting the expanded Club World Cup—might be nearing saturation.
Still Struggling with Set-Pieces
Improving at set-pieces has been a key goal for United heading into this season.
Mason Mount recently mentioned the need to sharpen up, and Ayden Heaven specifically said he’s been studying Arsenal’s defenders, like Gabriel and William Saliba, who dominated set-pieces last season.
“I’ve been watching how Saliba and Gabriel do it—really strong in the air,” Heaven said.
“That’s what I want to add to my game: scoring more from corners and free-kicks.”
But against West Ham, United wasted another big chance.
Fernandes whipped in a corner that found Leny Yoro completely unmarked, but the youngster headed wide.
It was the kind of opportunity they simply can’t afford to keep missing.
What’s Next for United?
Up next, United head to Chicago to face Bournemouth.
With Mbeumo possibly ready for his debut and Amorim continuing to test new tactical tweaks, fans will be looking for more sharpness—and hopefully a bigger crowd.
One thing’s clear though: whether in a deeper role or attacking third, Bruno Fernandes isn’t giving up his spotlight anytime soon.
