EAST RUTHERFORD – After hosting the FIFA Club World Cup Final, MetLife Stadium was the home of yet another soccer matchup for the Premier League Summer Series. This time, it would feature one of the most valuable clubs in the world, with Manchester United facing West Ham.
“Man U” fans came pouring into MetLife to watch United as they look to see some signs of hope going into the Premier League season, which will start in a few weeks on August 14.
After a disappointing season last year, United is looking to rebound and get back into the fold of things in the Premier League. United finished outside the top 6 last year, which means they will not be playing in any of the UEFA tournaments next season.
The ball was set for kick-off, and we were underway for the first half. It did not take long for United to get on the scoreboard.
In the fifth minute, West Ham was called for a foul inside the box, awarding a penalty kick to Manchester United. Captain Bruno Fernandes took the penalty as usual.
Bruno did not hesitate as he shot a rocket to the bottom corner of the net as the keeper went the opposite way, and just like that, it was 1-0 for United.
For the rest of the half, United kept playing well, not allowing West Ham to score and holding their 1-0 lead.
In the second half, it looked like United was hungry for more, and they found it. Bruno Fernandes answered the call yet again, but this time it was an outside-the-box beauty in the 52nd minute to beat the goalkeeper. The goal gave United a commanding 2-0 lead over West Ham.
After that goal, West Ham began to create more chances for themselves as they looked to mount a comeback. In the 63rd minute, they found their captain Jarroc Bowen for a score, which cut United’s lead to only one goal.
United’s manager looked to protect the lead as he used all his substitutions in the 66th minute to bring in fresh legs to hold the one-goal lead.
West Ham kept knocking at the door for another goal but could not find it, and the contest would end 2-1 as United would survive the second-half comeback attempt.
The win was a good sign for Manchester United as they get ready for the Premier League season. They will need everyone to play their part this season as they look to get back to being one of the premier teams in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes, the captain for United, was the bright spot of the night. He showed many signs of brilliance in the contest that led to him having both goals for United.
His coach, Ruben Amorim, spoke highly of his captain postgame while also offering some criticism for his star midfielder.
“He leads by example… he works really hard and he is always available… the problem sometimes he gets frustrated and he loses a little bit of focus of his job… sometimes he wants to help so much and sometimes that is not the best thing to do… he’s a leader but he needs help,” said Amorim.
