Amorim Hails Key Trio After United’s Commanding Display at Soldier Field

Ruben Amorim saw more than a 4-1 win against Bournemouth as he saw the pieces of his vision beginning to click into place in the rain-slicked theatre of Soldier Field.

• Man Utd's Dorgu: 'The Pre-Season is Helping Everyone Understand Amorim's Idea.'

The Manchester United head coach had reason to be satisfied as the Premier League Summer Series continued, with several standout performances offering both inspiration and reassurance ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

While the headlines may have favoured the scorers, Amorim’s praise extended deeper, spotlighting the connective tissue of United’s growing identity, which was embodied in three figures: Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes, and Rasmus Højlund.

Dorgu: “He Looks More and More Like He Belongs”

Dorgu’s fingerprints were all over the opening half. The young Dane set up Højlund’s early strike with a whipped-in cross that had precision and purpose, before getting on the scoresheet himself with a composed finish after outmuscling Bournemouth’s Julian Araujo.

Amorin says Dorgu belongs to Man Utd

It wasn’t just about the stats, though. For Amorim, it was Dorgu’s overall maturity and physical presence that stole the spotlight.

“He's 20 years old. He looks more and more like he belongs in Manchester United, and that is hard to do at 20 years old,” said Amorim post-match as manutd.com reported. “He's so powerful, he's getting his technique in his game, he's defending so well, he's pressing so well. So I’m really impressed with Patrick.”

That kind of rounded praise hints at something deeper than a good game. Dorgu is quickly embedding himself as a core part of Amorim’s tactical future.

• 10 Rúben Amorim Career-Bio Facts.

Højlund’s Hold-Up Play Earns Admiration

The connection between United’s lines is starting to look seamless, and much of that owes to Rasmus Højlund’s work up front. The striker’s early goal may have sparked the scoreboard, but Amorim was far more intrigued by what the Danish international was doing in the messy moments.

Højlund had a good game against Bournemouth in Soldier Field

“For me, it's more than a goal. For him, it's more important the goal, and for the fans, maybe it’s more important the goal. But the way he's linking the play, the way he's fighting for the balls... that is so important for us to play better. He’s doing a very good job,” the manager explained.

When United found themselves pressed or hurried, Højlund gave them a way out, offering himself as an outlet and finding teammates under pressure. That kind of frontline display is what can turn hopeful possession into structured attacking play.

Bruno the Conductor

Then there’s Bruno Fernandes, a figure who rarely drifts from the narrative when United are ticking. Against Bournemouth, he didn’t find the net, but his influence was unmistakable—dropping deeper when needed, combining cleverly with Amad, and guiding United’s transitions with poise.

“I think it was really important, the connection with Amad, the ability to control the ball inside and outside to maintain possession. Bruno is a player who is really smart, that can control the tempo of the game, so I'm really happy with him,” said Amorim.

Bruno Fernandes continues to be vital for Man Utd.

It’s clear that Fernandes is still being trusted with more than creativity, he’s being tasked with setting the rhythm, a responsibility he seems to relish regularly.

• Why Bruno Fernandes Remains Key to Manchester United’s Future Under Amorim.

Signs of a System Taking Shape

Beyond the individual praise, Amorim’s words suggest a larger narrative forming, a team learning its patterns, understanding its manager, and gradually locking into its new identity. The result in Chicago might be a friendly on paper, but performances like these are where belief is built and momentum begins to brew.

As United head into their final Summer Series test against Everton, they do so with growing clarity.