Six Man Utd stars impress Ruben Amorim as manager given transfer headache after West Ham win

After the pain and misery of last season, there was much for Ruben Amorim to be optimistic about after Manchester United's opening US tour game.

Ending last season in 15th place – United's lowest finish for 51 years – and missing out on Europe for only the second time in 35 years have made this a crucial pre-season.

Against that backdrop, United began their three-game tour of the States with an impressive performance against Premier League rivals West Ham at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.

Here is what United boss Amorim will have learned from his team's hard-fought win...

READ MORE: Matheus Cunha showed against West Ham exactly why Man Utd signed him

READ MORE: Man Utd finally give Ruben Amorim signs of encouragement - 5 talking points vs West Ham

SIX STARS IMPRESS

New £62.5million signing Matheus Cunha impressed with his attacking threat and industry, while midfielder Manuel Ugarte pressed with intensity and striker Rasmus Hojlund looked sharp and hungry.

There were other plus points for Amorim – Kobbie Mainoo's influence in a deeper midfield role, Patrick Dorgu's marauding runs down the left and the enduring quality of skipper Bruno Fernandes, who gave United a first-half lead from the penalty spot.

The crowd at the venue for next year's World Cup final may have been sparse – the 80,000-capacity stadium half-full at most – but fans were treated to a competitive game.

AMORIM RESISTS WHOLESALE CHANGES

Former United managers have made wholesale changes at half-time in pre-season games, but Amorim's plan was to play his starting line-up until the 70th minute, to build up their fitness levels, before making substitutions.

Amorim picked a strong side, although new £71m signing Bryan Mbeumo was left out, with his pre-season preparation slightly behind that of his team-mates.

Pre-season games, particularly the opening ones, can be tepid affairs, with players minded to ease themselves into games gently, for fear of injury or pushing themselves too much.

But United played with a fervour and commitment, epitomised by Ugarte's willingness to snap into tackles and win back possession within seconds of his side losing it.

UNITED PLAY WITH HIGH INTENSITY

United served notice of their intent early on, Cunha winning the ball just outside his own area, Dorgu finding Fernandes, who in turn put Hojlund through on goal.

The much-maligned striker, who managed just 12 goals last season, outpaced Max Kilman before striking a post with a left-footed effort.

Minutes later United were in front after West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola dropped the ball then fouled Ayden Heaven in a clumsy attempt to retrieve it, Fernandes coolly dispatching the resulting spot-kick.

With Amorim urging his players to maintain their rhythm and intensity, all the more impressive in the oppressive 80 F temperature, United continued to dominate.

Hojlund scooped a shot over in the 16th minute, while Cunha's tenacity in retrieving the ball and winning a corner led to Leny Yoro heading just wide. Ugarte won possession and fed Amad, who applied a clinical finish, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

But United doubled their lead in the 52nd minute, Mainoo intercepting a poor pass out from Areola then finding Fernandes, who steered a sublime finish into the top left corner.

UNITED'S 'SECOND TEAM' STRUGGLED

With the 70 minute mark looming and United's starting line-up tiring, Jarrod Bowen pulled a goal back for Hammers with a fine angled finish, which prompted Amorim to make 10 outfield changes slightly earlier than he planned.

Those who came on struggled to keep possession as assuredly as the starting line-up, allowing West Ham more time on the ball and meaning United came under sustained pressure to maintain their lead and see out the game, which they duly did, with Altay Bayindir making a fine save to deny Bowen a second goal deep into added time.

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