Inside Story: Front-foot football in Chicago

Ruben Amorim’s side had a responsibility to entertain on a wet Wednesday night at an uncovered stadium, where, as Patrick Dorgu gratefully noted after his Man of the Match performance, the Reds fans continued to support despite the conditions.

Dorgu’s performance summed up that of the whole team. He played proactive football.

The wing-back position will probably demonstrate the development of Amorim’s United side better than any other. His Sporting teams featured wide players whose fitness allowed them to bomb up and down the flank throughout, with sufficient cover from their team-mates to permit it.

Dorgu had that physicality and support on Saturday. His headline-grabbing moments were a fine cross for compatriot Rasmus Hojlund and a goal of his own to follow, from Mason Mount’s excellent through-ball.

But there was another moment that caught the eye: a driving run into the central areas, a well-weighted pass to a team-mate, and a run further on into the right-wing position, where space had opened up. This was United’s left-wing-back, confident enough in the system and the attacking philosophy of the team to go marauding on.

It was front-foot football played at pace. That’s impressive in only pre-season’s third game. Ruben was “really pleased” because “the intensity and focus is there.”

Front-foot football can leave a team exposed without the team knowing their roles well enough, but United looked solid against a good and quick Bournemouth side. Luke Shaw made a fantastic last-ditch 15th-minute tackle, and Casemiro covered well when Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro went striding onwards into midfield to open up the game.

It is only pre-season, as Diogo Dalot commented to us post-match.

“I’ve heard of everything,” he said.

“Pre-seasons that you win all the games and you lose the first game, pre-season games you don’t win and then you win the first game.”

So, this shouldn’t be about reading too far into specific tactical moments or set-ups. But the character of the team has become evident in the two games here in the USA.

“The focus has to be on building something as a team, fitness, creating dynamics, the spirit of the group is good, creating that connection between us,” Dalot continued. “We are doing that.”

Training in Chicago has been varied. The very first session was conducted at an intensity that positively shocked on-lookers. The squad looked at it. The physical load has since been carefully managed, with slow, walk-through tactical sessions when required which has given Ruben sufficient time to get his ideas across.

The intensity returned earlier this week, with some ball-work sessions that also included shuttle runs, on both Monday and Thursday.

“He likes us to be prepared for any scenario,” Dalot said, of Ruben’s tactical sessions.

“But then it’s the mental part, it’s the willing to go on the pitch, be focused, and then it comes from inside, from the heart, what you are willing to do, if you are willing to run for your team-mates. I think you’ve seen that.”

Some wondered if the tough nature of United’s first Premier League fixtures is pushing the players on even more. Everyone is aware that our season begins with a game against a strong Arsenal side with new reinforcements. Chelsea and Manchester City follow soon after. United must be quick out of the blocks, just as the substitutes were at Soldier Field.

Ruben admitted in New Jersey that he was a little disappointed with how the game fizzled out after he changed the outfield XI. This time, he was delighted. While photographers huddled inside tunnels to avoid the rain coming down in sheets, United persisted, and got another goal, with Ethan Williams the goalscorer. That made it the perfect night. Even Ruben, who is rarely seen celebrating a goal even in competitive fixtures, broke into a huge smile, though still not as big as Ethan’s own post-match.

"It's a a dream come true and I'm so happy right now,” he said.

“I'm thinking about all the moments, all the hard work I've been through. You know, I feel so blessed and so happy to be given this opportunity. To score, it's mad. I can't even explain how I am feeling, to be honest."

His buzz continued into Thursday morning training at Chicago Fire, where the mood was excellent.

Such is the size of United and the global media glare, positivity can gather serious momentum. That feels to be the case right now.

Chatting candidly with staff before training, Ruben seemed relaxed and confident. He’s happy to have been based in one city (Chicago) while in the USA, as are all the staff. It’s become to feel like a second home. Club commitments have been well-balanced with on-pitch focus and time off for the players. And he’s noticed the squad becoming much closer as a result.

As for the new signings, well, neither played at Soldier Field, and United thrived, but Ruben is excited by them both, because of their training performances and their nature within the squad. They are humble but competitive. Both are chomping at the bit to get into the team and ensure they have a starting spot.

Bryan Mbeumo is on an individual development plan after joining United’s pre-season a tad later than the rest of the squad. He’s doing well, and was fantastic to watch in Thursday’s session, which featured an intense drill combining hard sprinting and shooting across two pitches.

Only a few days are left in the USA for United before a return to a revamped Carrington. That snowballing momentum? Let’s hope it just keeps rolling on.