Premier League ▲ Manchester United opened (Manchester United vs West Ham) the Premier League Summer Series with a 2–1 victory over West Ham at MetLife Stadium, as Bruno Fernandes bagged a brace. Obtain match recap, player ratings, where to watch, key stats and information on what to expect next.
🚨 Manchester United vs West Ham Recap
Manchester United beat West Ham United 2–1 in the first match of the 2025 Premier League Summer Series, which was played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 26 July 2025. Bruno Fernandes scored twice — including a first-half penalty and a precise second-half finish — with Jarrod Bowen pulling one back midway in the second half with a stunning finish for West Ham. While West Ham dominated possession in the first half, seeing nearly 60 per cent of the ball, United dictated play and held strong to prevail.
📅 Context: The Summer Series in the U.S.
The 2025 Premier League Summer Series — a pre-season friendly tournment in the U.S. — will see four clubs Manchester United, West Ham United, Everton, and Bournemouth play three matches apiece in New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta. The tournament gives fans a chance throughout the U.S. to watch Premier League action live.
Manchester United are participating on the back of a crucial summer rebuild under new manager Rúben Amorim after ending the year with a disappointing 2024–25 season and a managerial change in November.
🌟 Bruno Fernandes Ignites United’s Triumph
You could see what it meant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he turned away in relief and Jose Mourinho, petulantly kicking away his empty water bottle as the cameras dwelled on him.
First goal (5′): Penalty after Alphonse Areola took down Ayden Heaven: Fernandes buried it calmly into the bottom corner.
Second goal (52′): Ander Herrera sloppily gifted the ball to Fernandes on the edge of the PSG box and the United man curled home nicely to give his side a 2-0 advantage.
His double underlines his captaincy and the importance he poses to Amorim’s side and United’s preparations this pre-season.
⚡ Jarrod Bowen’s Thunderbolt Response
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s stunning long-range finish from Souček’s pass in the 63rd minute reduced the deficit and breathed life into the Hammers. West Ham had dominated possession early on but had struggled to fashion clear-cut chances until Bowen produced his moment of magic.
🏟 Tactical & Player Insights
West Ham’s line-up contained big names: Areola; Wan‑Bissaka at right wing-back; Souček; Ward‑Prowse and Bowen in attack.
The tactics of United were all about pressing and quick transitions. Summer arrival Matheus Cunha starred with Højlund and Amad.
Fernandes was the Man of the Match, according to SI player ratings; and defenders like Heaven were exposed by Bowen’s speed.
📺 How to Watch: Streaming and Over-the-Air Viewing
In the USA: Match streamed exclusively on Peacock ($10.99 a month with ads or ad‑free Premium Plus).
In the UK: Live on Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League channel, Sky Go and NOWTV. Kick off is at 12:00a.m. BST (7:00 p.m. ET).
Streaming access with free trials is available on cord-cutter platforms including Hulu Live, fuboTV and DIRECTV Stream.
📈 What The Win Does for Manchester United
A good start under Rúben Amorim, with Fernandes illustrating he is still the United midfield heartbeat.
New signings such as Bryan Mbeumo had not played yet but were gaining fitness and they would be seen later in the tour (against Bournemouth and Everton).
Tactical setup test and squad depth check months before season-opener in August.
🧭 West Ham summaries: The good, the bad and what concerns us
The ball (~60% in first half) but not enough creativity in final third and finishing.
Bowen continues to assert himself as West Ham’s main forward threat.
Squad has been modulated by new manager Graham Potter, as rotation and experimentation took center stage in U.S. friendlies.
Kicking off our #PLSummerSeries campaign with a win! ➕3️⃣
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2025
📝 Player Spotlights
Bruno Fernandes (United Captain)
Struck the second goal into the top corner as he led by example in the heat of New Jersey.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham Captain)
His wonder-goal served as a reminder of his status as the Hammers’ go-to man in attacking situations throughout the summer.
Aaron Wan‑Bissaka
Wan‑Bissaka, playing on the right of a back five, was making his first appearance on U.S. soil in a West Ham shirt since signing from Manchester United last summer.
🗓 Upcoming Fixtures
July 30: United vs. Bournemouth at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Aug. 3: United face Everton at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
After the U.S. series, they are back to play Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9 ahead of the start of the Premier League campaign a week later on August 16.
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