Manchester United overpower Bournemouth in a ruthless 4-1 win despite missing key attackers

Manchester United delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in Chicago as Ruben Amorim’s side continued to build momentum in the Premier League Summer Series. On a humid night at Soldier Field, United looked revitalised, outclassing the Cherries in almost every department.

Despite missing forwards Matheus Cunha — omitted due to “fatigue” — and Bryan Mbeumo, Amorim’s team had no trouble asserting their dominance. Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring with a clinical header early in the first half, setting the tempo for the match. The Danish striker’s energy and movement unsettled Bournemouth’s backline from the outset.

Shortly before half-time, Patrick Dorgu doubled United’s lead, finishing off a well-worked passage of play that underlined the cohesion emerging within Amorim’s system. The Portuguese coach, under scrutiny since his arrival at Old Trafford, appeared far more at ease as his side executed his game plan with intensity and fluidity.

After the break, Amad Diallo added a third, capitalising on a mistake and showing composure with his finish. Then, Ethan Williams came off the bench to net United’s fourth, capping a performance filled with verve and confidence.

Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, managed a late response when Matthijs de Ligt diverted the ball past Tom Heaton. But the goal offered little consolation in a match they were outplayed from start to finish.

United’s latest triumph follows a 2-1 win over West Ham earlier in the competition. One more victory, this time against Everton, would see them lift the Summer Series trophy. However, the silverware is secondary — what really matters to Amorim is how his side is finally embracing his vision.

There was purpose and precision in midfield. Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount showed signs of developing a promising partnership, with Mount thriving in a role that plays to his strengths. Dorgu’s performance on the flank reaffirmed the promise he displayed last season. All over the pitch, United looked sharper.

This wasn’t just a pre-season runout — it was a statement. For Amorim, who struggled to establish his style in the latter stages of last season, this match was proof that things might finally be clicking. The players appeared more comfortable in their roles, and the team moved with a cohesion that had previously eluded them.

Of course, it’s still early. Pre-season often flatters to deceive, and with Cunha and Mbeumo yet to be integrated into the side, the bigger picture remains incomplete. But perhaps that’s a positive in itself — United looked formidable without them.

Amorim had hinted that this summer would be crucial to embedding his ideas. In Chicago, there were clear signs of progress. The pressing was more aggressive, the passing crisper, and the mentality more focused. Gone was the disjointedness. In its place: clarity.

Manchester United face Everton next, knowing a win would seal the Summer Series title. Yet more importantly, it offers another opportunity to fine-tune a team that, for the first time in a while, looks united in more than name alone.