FIVE things we learned from Summer Series Matchday 2

Football writer Alex Keble picks out the key takeaways from the second round of matches in the Premier League Summer Series.

Manchester United beat AFC Bournemouth 4-1 and West Ham United edged past Everton 2-1 in the second round of Summer Series matches, leaving Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils in need of only a point in their final match against Everton to lift the trophy. 

Here are five key takeaways from a rain-soaked evening at the Soldier Field stadium in Chicago. 

Amorim’s tactics coming together at last? 

It was a friendly, but Man Utd fans will struggle not to get carried away with their team’s slick and cohesive performance against Bournemouth - especially since it was achieved without Bryan Mbeumo, who was not ready, or a “fatigued” Matheus Cunha. 

There was real intensity to United’s showing, but more importantly, a sense of tactical clarity to Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation.

It was defined most of all by the interactions between Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes in midfield and the defensive maturity of Patrick Dorgu - who scored and provided an assist - and Luke Shaw, playing at centre-back. 

Amad, too, had an excellent game as one of the No 10s, which he capped with a goal. 

It certainly looked as though Amorim’s system is coming together. Maybe intelligent, tactical players like Amad, Mount, and Shaw are creating a new reliable spine. 

Hojlund grabs deserved and welcome goal 

The best player on the pitch was arguably Rasmus Hojlund, who deserved his goal. It was welcome amid reports that United are trying to bring in a new striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins the two names linked with Old Trafford.  

“I am really happy with Rasmus,” said Amorim. “I don’t know what is going to happen until the end of the market. The important thing is that the strikers that are here are working really well, improving and helping the team. 

Hojlund's goal v Bournemouth

“The important thing is that Rasmus is scoring goals. He’s connecting really well with the team. He’s improving. Again, I don’t know what is going to happen until the market is closed. People focus on the goals and we suffer a lot because of the lack of goals. But I think it’s not just the goals but the way he connects the play. 

“The ability for him to hold the defender and to connect in the support is helping us a lot to play better and we are playing better because he is playing better.” 

Philip looks revitalised after his Napoli loan 

Bournemouth’s difficult summer window has forced Andoni Iraola to look internally for fresh ideas. Thankfully for Cherries fans, it’s working. 

Philip Billing, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Napoli, had scored in each of Bournemouth’s two previous pre-season friendlies (against Hibernian and Everton) and was rewarded with the captain’s armband here. 

That’s a show of faith from Iraola - who was almost rewarded with another goal involvement from his captain. 

Only a marginal offside call denied Antoine Semenyo after he was put through by Philip in the first half. 

Fullkrug and Paqueta breathe fresh air as Potter’s system reveals itself 

Niclas Fullkrug and Lucas Paqueta both appear to be moving forward again after struggles last season, each scoring a goal in West Ham’s deserved win against Everton. 

It was a good day for West Ham boss Graham Potter, whose side dominated possession and could easily have been out of sight before Fullkrug’s clinical finish reminded West Ham fans why they were so excited by his arrival a year ago. 

Fullkrug's winner v Everton

More significant than his goal, however, was West Ham’s ability to take risks in passing out from the back, cleverly playing through the Everton lines at every opportunity – even if this did lead to a sloppy pass from which the Toffees scored on the break. 

“The intensity was there from our perspective,” Potter said. “Fullkrug can play a great role. His intensity off the bench is something unique but it's nice to have the option with him from the start. 

“He brought energy to the team and near enough made the goal for himself.” 

On this evidence, a full pre-season under Potter will see his style of football implemented more fully in 2025/26. 

Everton’s defensive performance a concern  

Although defensive injuries have undermined their pre-season, Everton supporters might be worried by what they saw in Chicago, particularly after David Moyes spoke in the week about Everton’s difficulty signing new players. 

Their low block and five-man defence against West Ham was a cautious way to approach the match – and it didn’t work. The Hammers were deserved winners, with Idrissa Gueye’s opener the only good chance Everton carved out all game. 

However, on the bright side James Tarkowski made a return from injury off the bench while new signing Thierno Barry, also a substitute here, is yet to make his first start for the club. 

Evertonians will hope that their final Summer Series match against Man Utd will see a stronger first XI – and a better result.