Manchester United
Manchester United’s Projected XI vs West Ham: Cunha and Mbeumo Set for Premier Partnership
Manchester United prepare to field Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo together against West Ham in pre-season.
Manchester United continue their pre-season preparations with their latest encounter against West Ham, offering fans a first glimpse of fresh talents on the pitch. The Red Devils began their summer campaign with a goalless draw against Leeds United, setting the stage for another trio of domestic fixtures before a final pre-season clash with Fiorentina.
Manager Ruben Amorim’s lineup for this Summer Series match is expected to feature notable inclusions and tactical formations. Goalkeeper Altay Bayındır is poised to shine in absence of André Onana, sidelined by a hamstring injury, providing Bayındır with a valuable opportunity to impress on tour.
Defensively, Leny Yoro, a promising young talent who navigated an injury-hit debut season, could feature strongly alongside Matthijs de Ligt, who may start at centre-back amid Harry Maguire’s delayed arrival. Ayden Heaven, a former Arsenal prospect, is tipped for the left side of the back three, while Diogo Dalot is expected to operate at right wing-back, showcasing his versatility on either flank.
In midfield, captain Bruno Fernandes is likely to take on a deeper role, although questions linger regarding his partnership options. Manuel Ugarte, signed from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, aims to build on a modest debut campaign, with Amorim hoping for significant progress in his sophomore season.
Patrick Dorgu, who joined in January but has yet to find his form, should benefit from a full preseason to boost his impact at left wing-back.
Offensively, the attacking midfield roles may feature the summer’s first signing, Matheus Cunha, who debuted last weekend, and new arrival Bryan Mbeumo, whose recent signing and participation on the tour suggests an attempt to foster early chemistry between the two creative figures well before the season begins.
This lineup not only reflects tactical adjustments but also highlights the infusion of youthful energy and fresh talent aimed at sharpening Manchester United’s edge ahead of the competitive season.
Manchester United
Amorim Praises Manchester United’s Pre-Season Progress; Mount Targets European Return
Amorim welcomes focused pre-season as Mount targets Champions League return for Man United.
Ruben Amorim expressed satisfaction with Manchester United’s pre-season preparations as the club aims to recover from a difficult 2024–25 season. Since his arrival in early November to replace Erik ten Hag, Amorim has faced challenges implementing his tactical approach due to limited training time and ongoing midweek European fixtures. This summer, free from major international tournaments, has allowed for extensive work on the pitch. “We, as a team, need more time on the pitch, not just for the physical or tactical aspect, but the bond between [the players]. You build that during the week, with time on the [training] pitch. So, I’m really happy with that,” said Amorim.
For the first time since the 2014–15 campaign, Manchester United will not compete in European football. Mason Mount, who joined from Chelsea in 2023, underscored the importance of reclaiming a UEFA competition spot. “Europe is a massive, massive thing for us,” he said during the first pre-season tour in Chicago. “The Champions League would be amazing for us and as a group we want to be playing in that competition. But I’d say Europe. I think that’s the focus.”
Mount has battled injury setbacks since joining United, missing 23 games last season and 27 the season before. However, he returned strongly at the close of last term, making a full run of appearances in April and May. “At the end of last season, getting back and feeling really, really good, playing some games and scoring some goals was obviously very important for me,” Mount reflected. “I still want to kick on. Any time you do get that opportunity to be on the pitch, you want to do something, you want to affect the game. That’s always the way I’ve looked at it.”
Arsenal
Dominic Solanke Doubts Manchester United’s Top Four Prospects for 2025–26
Dominic Solanke predicts Manchester United will miss out on the Premier League top four in 2025–26.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has expressed skepticism over Manchester United’s chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League for the 2025–26 season. Speaking on DA4P’s YouTube channel, Solanke provided his predictions for the teams likely to qualify for the Champions League spots.
Solanke confidently included Tottenham first in his top-four forecast, followed by Liverpool and Manchester City. When questioned about Manchester United’s potential to challenge for a Champions League position next term, Solanke simply replied, “nah,” instead opting to include Arsenal as a contender.
This blunt verdict reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the Red Devils, who endured a difficult previous season. While Solanke’s confidence in Tottenham’s qualification might raise some eyebrows—given their 17th-place finish last season—his assessment of Manchester United aligns with widespread doubts about their immediate recovery under Ruben Amorim’s management.
Solanke’s straightforward response underlines the challenges ahead for Manchester United, suggesting the club faces another challenging campaign outside Europe’s elite competition.
Manchester United
Matheus Cunha Embraces the Challenge of His Manchester United Move
Matheus Cunha views his Man Utd transfer pressure as a privilege and embraces the challenge ahead.
Matheus Cunha, the latest Manchester United signing, has openly welcomed the pressure accompanying his high-profile transfer to Old Trafford. The Brazilian international recognizes the intense scrutiny the club attracts and views it as an opportunity rather than a burden.
Cunha expressed, “I really think the pressure on this club is not really pressure. It’s a privilege because this is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
His decision to join United was motivated by the project’s appeal and the chance to be part of something significant. “When Ruben came to me and showed me the project, I felt like it’s a challenge I want to do for my career. United is a club I needed to be at, and like I say it’s a big privilege.”
The forward also highlighted United as his dream destination, having turned down multiple offers this summer to commit to the club. “It’s my dream club. This is what the question is, you know. It’s my dream club. When I had the first meeting with Ruben, I feel like they started to build something very important. And of course, I want to be part of this.”
Meanwhile, United has strengthened its roster further with the acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo. On the outgoing front, Marcus Rashford recently moved on loan to Barcelona. Other players like Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia remain available for transfer, though manager Ruben Amorim has indicated a willingness to retain them if suitable offers are not received.
