Bruno Fernandes scored twice to help Manchester United secure a 2-1 win against West Ham in the Premier League Summer Series held in New Jersey on Saturday.
United captain Fernandes capitalized on two critical errors from West Ham’s French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola to secure the win for Ruben Amorim’s team under hot conditions at MetLife Stadium.
The first goal came in the fifth minute when Areola brought down Ayden Heaven, leading to a penalty that Fernandes converted with ease. He added a second goal in the 52nd minute after Areola’s poor clearance landed at the feet of Kobbie Mainoo, who set up Fernandes for a composed finish over the off-positioned goalkeeper.
Jarrod Bowen pulled one back for West Ham in the 63rd minute and later forced a strong save from Altay Bayindir in added time, but United held firm.
Fernandes reflected on the result post-match, saying it was an important win even as a friendly, highlighting the team’s desire to enter the new season positively. He also acknowledged room for improvement in maintaining longer spells of possession.
United’s new US$87 million signing Bryan Mbeumo did not feature in the game but traveled with the squad and may debut in the next match against Bournemouth in Chicago on Wednesday.
In the other match of the day, Bournemouth comfortably defeated Everton 3-0 at the same venue. Goals came from Philip Billing, Dango Outtara, and Daniel Adu-Adjei.
Billing opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Outtara doubled the lead four minutes later after breaking down the left and finishing past Jordan Pickford. Adu-Adjei sealed the win after intercepting a weak backpass and slotting it home.
