Man Utd Player Ratings vs. West Ham: Red Devils Open Summer Series With 2–1 Win

Manchester United kicked off their highly anticipated summer series with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over West Ham United at a buzzing MetLife Stadium. The New Jersey venue, packed with enthusiastic fans, provided a vibrant backdrop for the Red Devils' initial steps in their pre-season preparations. This opening fixture offered an early glimpse into Erik ten Hag's evolving squad and tactical blueprint, with a familiar hero stepping up to secure the win and delighting the thousands in attendance.

The star of the show, undoubtedly, was Portuguese maestro Bruno Fernandes, who netted both goals for the Red Devils. Fernandes, a perennial driving force in United's midfield, showcased his clinical finishing and crucial playmaking ability. His first goal, a well-placed effort that found the corner of the net, settled early nerves and gave United the lead. His second, arriving later in the contest following a period of sustained pressure, proved to be the decisive strike, perfectly illustrating his knack for arriving in dangerous positions and converting chances. Each goal was met with a roar of approval from the fervent crowd, underlining his immense popularity and importance to the team's attacking rhythm. His brace served as a timely reminder of his enduring quality and leadership on the pitch.

While Fernandes stole the headlines, the match itself offered a valuable workout for both sides. West Ham, under David Moyes, provided stern opposition, testing United's defensive shape and midfield control throughout the ninety minutes. The Red Devils displayed moments of fluid attacking play, particularly in transitions, but also showed areas for improvement, as is expected in early pre-season. New formations or player combinations may have been trialled, providing valuable data for the coaching staff. Beyond the goals, performances from other key players, though perhaps not as flashy, contributed to the overall solidity. The early stages of the game saw some robust challenges, indicating that even in a friendly, the competitive spirit was alive as players looked to impress.