Published: 31 July’ 2025. The English Chronicle Desk
In a dominant display under the stormy skies of Chicago’s Soldier Field, Manchester United secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Bournemouth, led by a resurgent performance from Danish striker Rasmus Højlund. With speculation swirling over his future amid United’s active pursuit of a new frontman, Højlund made a strong case for his place in Ruben Amorim’s plans with an early goal and a sharp all-around display.
Højlund’s opener came just eight minutes into the match, as he rose confidently to meet a precise cross from Patrick Dorgu, glancing a deft header beyond Bournemouth’s new signing, goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The moment, reminiscent of his equaliser at the Vitality Stadium last April, seemed to reaffirm Højlund’s knack for scoring against the Cherries and his hunger to prove his value at Old Trafford.
While Manchester United have opened negotiations with RB Leipzig for promising striker Benjamin Sesko — valued at over €80 million — Højlund’s timely goal has added a compelling twist to the unfolding transfer saga. Though linked with moves to Juventus and Napoli, Højlund is determined to stay and fight for his place, and performances like this will only strengthen his position.
Dorgu continued to shine in United’s pre-season campaign, turning provider into scorer in the 25th minute. A sharp free-kick from Mason Mount released the 19-year-old down the left, and Dorgu calmly slotted home his first goal in United colours. Petrovic, who arrived from Chelsea earlier this summer, will feel he could have done better with the save, but Dorgu’s low drive had both precision and purpose.
As the rain intensified, soaking fans and players alike, United refused to slow down. Just eight minutes after the break, Amad Diallo extended the lead with a well-placed strike inside the box. It may have deflected off Højlund’s boot on its way in, but both players wheeled away in celebration, emphasizing the team’s growing cohesion in attack.
Despite the fierce competition for places, veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton offered a reminder of his value. Standing in for the injured André Onana, the 39-year-old delivered a composed and commanding performance. Heaton made a series of vital stops, including a full-stretch save from Dango Ouattara in the first half and a brilliant foot block against Antoine Semenyo in the second. With Altay Bayindir also in contention, Amorim faces a tricky decision if Onana doesn’t recover in time for the season opener against Arsenal.
After sweeping changes in the 70th minute — with Heaton the only player to stay on — United’s younger talents added flair to the finish. Ethan Williams, just 19, capped off the performance with a classy strike inside the far post, marking his first senior goal and offering yet another glimpse of United’s exciting youth pipeline.
The only blemish on an otherwise near-perfect night came in stoppage time when Matthijs De Ligt, attempting to block a cross from David Brooks, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, denying Heaton a deserved clean sheet.
Still, the result marks a promising chapter in United’s pre-season tour, filled with confident football, rising stars, and crucial auditions. While questions remain over transfers and injuries, one thing was clear in Chicago — this is a Manchester United side beginning to find its rhythm under Amorim’s command.
