Inside story Manchester United v West Ham first game in USA Tour 2025
Roaming the streets, meanwhile, were Reds who’d come from all over the USA, and Canada, to watch their team. For many, it was a rare chance to visit New York City, too. Like United’s match-going supporters in Europe, the combination of football and travel is a dreamy one. The players appreciate it, too. As Toby Collyer said in a recent interview, the best bit about football — off the pitch — is how it takes you to new places and helps you experience new things.And on the pitch, these games are perfect for trying new things. United started brightly. We were fortunate enough to be sat immediately next to the goal, on which Rasmus Hojlund bore down just a minute in, outmuscling his marker before striking the post. With such a good viewpoint, you can see the determination and focus in the player’s eyes. Post-match, Ruben picked out Hojlund for his work ethic and fight in the game.He was far from the only player to show good strength against his marker. Patrick Dorgu did the same, and Leny Yoro, Amad and Kobbie Mainoo. Plus Manuel Ugarte, plenty of times. It’s been noted by many that the squad look particularly lean and fit this pre-season, and have done since returning to Carrington earlier in July.“That is the minimum that you have to do,” Amorim explained to us. “You have to be in perfect condition when you play in the best league in the world. And, there’s a good thing called competition. They know that there is no European games. You can only start 11 players.”As for the 11 who started against West Ham, Ruben said it wasn’t indicative of who would be selected to face Arsenal on the opening day of the Premier League season. New signing Bryan Mbeumo wasn’t ready to play, with his individual development plan a little different to the others. Joshua Zirkzee is still recovering from a small injury, and Noussair Mazraoui was ruled out with a minor knock.Those who did play did well. Ruben was pleased with the first half. There was a good intensity, given it was only the second game of pre-season. There was also a lot of talking. “Communication is important,” Ugarte told us post-match. We could hear it. Matthijs de Ligt was particularly vocal in that central role in defence, as the Reds put into practice the pressing drills from Chicago.
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