Mbeumo Set for Explosive Man Utd Debut Against Bournemouth in Chicago Showdown?
"It felt entirely different from the previous campaign," Ruben Amorim declared with optimism following Manchester United's 2-1 triumph over West Ham United in their Premier League Summer Series opener.
The Red Devils managed to establish an advantage and maintain it, though the second period again exposed the structural weaknesses inherent in the manager's favored 3-4-2-1 formation.
West Ham's growing dominance provided them with a pathway back into the match, but Amorim credited United's decline to the substitutions he implemented after halftime, with multiple academy players joining the action.
The manager has indicated he remains uncertain about his starting lineup for the new Premier League season's opening weekend, with his touring squad getting another opportunity to make their mark in Chicago on Wednesday evening. One certainty appears to be that Bryan Mbeumo will be absent from Soldier Field. Amorim confirmed Mbeumo is participating in training sessions, but won't feature against Bournemouth. The Portuguese tactician is aiming for Man Utd's concluding Summer Series encounter against Everton.
Here's how Man Utd might arrange themselves against Bournemouth on Summer Series Matchday 2.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Bournemouth (3-4-2-1)
GK: Altay Bayındır—André Onana's deputy will receive the majority of playing time during the United States tour, considering the Cameroonian shot-stopper's injury concerns. He was the sole player to feature for the full 90 minutes against the Hammers.
CB: Tyler Fredricson—We witnessed glimpses of the young defender during the latter stages of last season, and Fredricson made a substitute appearance at the weekend. With Amorim expected to rotate his defensive options, the teenager might start from the beginning here.
CB: Harry Maguire—Maguire entered as a substitute in the previous match following his delayed arrival to the U.S. The England international should be prepared for a starting role on Wednesday evening.
CB: Luke Shaw—Previously a marauding left-back capable of covering ground effectively, Shaw is likely better positioned playing centre-back in Amorim's three-man defense.
RWB: Diogo Dalot—Accustomed to featuring in Amorim's first XI, the wing-back experienced a different role on Saturday evening as he entered from the substitutes' bench.
CM: Manuel Ugarte—Ugarte was among United's top performers in their tour's inaugural match and merits keeping his position against the Cherries.
CM: Bruno Fernandes—The skipper netted twice in the Summer Series curtain-raiser to propel United to an early 2-0 advantage. Fernandes operated in an advanced role previously, but might be deployed deeper against Andoni Iraola's high-pressing Bournemouth.
LWB: Patrick Dorgu—The young Danish player will seek maximum playing time this summer before his inaugural complete season at Old Trafford.
AM: Matheus Cunha—Bryan Mbeumo isn't prepared to represent his new team yet, but there's optimism he'll contribute in the tour's final fixture against Everton. Therefore, there might be a third straight start for fellow newcomer Cunha.
AM: Mason Mount—Amorim has previously spoken glowingly about Mount, but his Man Utd journey has yet to flourish. Crucially, the intelligent playmaker is healthy and available, and should receive an opportunity to collaborate with one of United's new signings.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee—The manager commended Rasmus Højlund's performance at the weekend but will want to evaluate Zirkzee here, if available, after he was absent from the West Ham victory due to a minor knock.