FOUR things to look out for on Summer Series Matchday 2

The Premier League Summer Series is well under way in the United States and the second edition of the tournament kicked off with wins for Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth.

Ruben Amorim’s men edged past West Ham United with a 2-1 win, while Andoni Iraola’s Cherries turned on the style in the second half to beat Everton 3-0.

With Matchday 2 in Chicago just around the corner, football writer Ninad Barbadikar picks out four things to look out for.

Will Mainoo and Ugarte be the preferred choice?

Man Utd boss Amorim opted to start Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte as the starting midfield pairing against West Ham in New Jersey and it will be interesting to see if he sticks with the same duo versus Bournemouth.

England international Mainoo impressed with his energy alongside his Uruguayan midfield partner, who would have claimed an assist if not for the offside flag. Against the Cherries, United will need a blend of control and physicality and this partnership has the potential to bring that.

This means that captain Bruno Fernandes could once again start as part of the front three alongside Rasmus Hojlund and star summer signing Matheus Cunha, who will be eager to get off the mark for his new club.

As for Bryan Mbeumo’s debut, Amorim is keen to give the Cameroonian time to train, and therefore will not be involved in this one.

"We hope to have Bryan in the last game [in the United States]. He's training now, so we'll see,” said the United boss.

Returning Billing could be key for Cherries

After a half-season long loan spell at Napoli where he helped Antonio Conte’s side win Serie A, Phillip Billing is back at Bournemouth.

Scoring a superb goal against Everton, the Danish midfielder could help the Cherries continue their recent domination of this fixture, particularly considering the advantages of his height against the midfield duo of Mainoo and Ugarte.

Billing's goal v Everton

It is also worth noting that Billing’s presence could be vital going into the start of the new season for Iraola, with Lewis Cook sidelined until after the first international break due to an injury.

You’d have to go as far back as May 2023 for the last time United managed to beat Bournemouth in the Premier League, so Iraola’s side will go into this game with confidence.

Potter to trust in youth again?

Despite the defeat against Man Utd, Graham Potter and the Hammers staff had plenty of positives to take away given the promising displays of the youngsters on show, with Preston Fearson and Freddie Potts in particular being highlighted by Potter after the game.

“Freddie and Preston, in particular, you could see the quality they bring, what type of players they are. So that's exciting for us,” said the Hammers boss, speaking to club media.

Those two could be in from the start once again when the Hammers face David Moyes’s Everton.

Another thing West Ham fans can look forward to is the potential debut of Kyle Walker-Peters, after the former Southampton defender joined earlier this month. The English full-back brings experience and quality to the Hammers' backline ahead of the new season.

Toffees hold promise in attack

The arrival of Thierno Barry from Villarreal this summer has Everton fans excited, and rightly so.

Though the Frenchman didn’t start against Bournemouth, his appearance off the bench showed all the qualities that Everton’s attack really needs.

With Moyes keen to stress the need for additions this summer, especially in defence, the attack holds a great deal of promise, with the young Barry spearheading the Toffees into a new season.

Behind, the trio of Dwight McNeil, Charly Alcaraz and Iliman Ndiaye bring bags of quality to the final third, and if this quartet can find their feet together, it could spell a lot of joy for Moyes and co.

Given his promising cameo against the Cherries, Barry will be one to look out for if he is rewarded with a starting spot.

See the Summer Series schedule and how to watch