Manchester United has embarked on their U.S. preseason tour with a clear mission: to lay the groundwork for a strong comeback after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, the team is set to face West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton in a series of crucial fixtures aimed at refining their strategies and integrating new talent.

Key Objectives for the Preseason

1. Enhance Goal Scoring Last season, Manchester United struggled with scoring, prompting the acquisition of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for over £130 million. The synergy between these new forwards and captain Bruno Fernandes will be vital. The preseason games will serve as a testing ground for Amorim's attacking strategies.

2. Optimize Mbeumo's Position The challenge for Amorim is to find the optimal position for Mbeumo within the 3-4-3 system. Whether he plays as a No. 10 or up front will significantly influence the team's formation and the roles of other players like Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

3. Manage Squad Dynamics With several players left behind, including Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, Amorim must navigate the distractions and focus on integrating the available squad effectively. The departure of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona has already provided some clarity.

4. Goalkeeper Situation André Onana's injury has left the team with Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton as the primary goalkeepers. Decisions on whether to reinforce this position will be crucial, especially with the Premier League opener against Arsenal looming.

5. Youth Integration The absence of European competition allows Amorim to consider younger players from the academy. Players like Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi have shown promise and could secure more first-team opportunities.

Players to Watch

• Bruno Fernandes: Despite the new signings, Fernandes remains the cornerstone of the team. His performance and fitness will be critical for United's success.

• Diego León: The young left-back from Paraguay has already made a positive impression and could be a key player this season.

• Tyler Fredricson: With the departure of Victor Lindelöf and Jonny Evans, Fredricson has a chance to cement his place in the defense.

• Toby Collyer: Known for his energy and enthusiasm, Collyer could provide the midfield dynamism that Amorim is looking for.

Conclusion

This preseason tour is not just about preparation but also about setting the tone for the upcoming season. With strategic objectives and a focus on integrating new and young talent, Manchester United aims to return stronger and more competitive in the Premier League.