Højlund Shines as Manchester United Triumph 4-1 Over Bournemouth

Rasmus Hojlund shines in United preseason match against Premier League side Bournemout amid Manchester United hunt for a new striker.

Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund made a compelling case to be the club’s first-choice striker for the upcoming Premier League season, scoring in an impressive 4-1 victory against AFC Bournemouth at Soldier Field during the Premier League Summer Series. The match, played in front of a passionate Chicago crowd, marked United’s second win in as many games on their U.S. preseason tour.

Højlund opened the scoring just eight minutes in, deftly heading in a pinpoint cross from left wing-back Patrick Dorgu. The Denmark international, whose future at Old Trafford has been under scrutiny due to the club’s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, showcased his aerial prowess and knack for finding space in the box. The goal was a timely reminder of his potential, especially after a challenging 2024-25 season where he managed only four Premier League goals. Interest from Napoli and Juventus has swirled around the 22-year-old, but Højlund’s preference is to stay and fight for his place at United.

The Reds doubled their lead in the 25th minute through Dorgu, who continued his sparkling preseason form. Mason Mount’s quick free-kick over the top found the young wing-back, whose low shot slipped past Bournemouth’s new goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic, formerly of Chelsea. The goal highlighted United’s sharp interplay, though Petrovic might feel he could have done better.

Torrential rain soaked Soldier Field, sending fans scrambling for cover, but United’s attack remained undeterred. In the 53rd minute, Amad Diallo extended the lead, sweeping the ball into the corner from a crowded penalty area. The goal, which may have taken a slight deflection off Højlund, sparked a joint celebration between the two players at the corner flag.

With regular goalkeeper André Onana sidelined by a hamstring injury, 39-year-old Tom Heaton stepped up between the posts and delivered a strong performance. Heaton made two key saves, denying Dango Ouattara in the first half and Antoine Semenyo in the second with an instinctive stop using his feet. His display strengthens his case to compete with Altay Bayindir for the starting role against Arsenal in the Premier League opener if Onana remains unavailable.

Manager Ruben Amorim made wholesale changes after 70 minutes, with only Heaton retaining his place. Among the substitutes, 19-year-old forward Ethan Williams made an impact, scoring United’s fourth with a smart finish inside the post. The only blemish on an otherwise dominant night came in the final minute when Matthijs De Ligt inadvertently deflected David Brooks’ cross into his own net, denying Heaton a clean sheet.

The match underscored Manchester United’s attacking depth and resilience, even as questions linger about their striker and goalkeeper positions. The club’s interest in Sesko, valued at over €80 million, and an unnamed Aston Villa forward signals an aggressive transfer strategy, but Højlund’s performance may force Amorim to reconsider his plans.

United’s U.S. tour continues with a final Summer Series match against Everton in Atlanta on August 3, before they return to Old Trafford to face Fiorentina on August 9, just eight days before their Premier League opener against Arsenal.