Following the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, attention now shifts to the Premier League Summer Series, which kicks off in the United States with a marquee matchup. Manchester United and West Ham United will square off in the first preseason fixture at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Manchester United enter the 2025–26 campaign with plenty to prove after a disastrous season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League — the lowest final position in club history. With manager Ruben Amorim at the helm, expectations are high following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, as the Red Devils aim to return to Champions League contention.
West Ham, who finished just one place ahead of United last season, are also undergoing a rebuild. The Hammers lost star midfielder Mohammed Kudus in a €64 million transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. Under the guidance of Graham Potter, who took over in January 2025, the East London club is hoping to bounce back and push for a European spot.
Neither Manchester City nor Chelsea will participate in the U.S. preseason tour due to their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup. They are expected to resume preseason training in the coming weeks. With Bournemouth and Everton rounding out the Summer Series lineup, Manchester United and West Ham headline the opening fixture.
Amorim prioritizing fitness ahead of starting XI decisions
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim emphasized the importance of building match fitness and rhythm: “We are going to give more time to the starting XI. It’s important for them to have more time to feel the game, but it’s not a decision (about) who’s the best starting XI to start against Arsenal. We are going to see things. But we need to give more time because it’s not the same to play for just 45. We need to increase the time.”
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Amorim also underlined the physical demands of his tactical approach and the standard expected at Manchester United. “That is really important. When you play in the best league in the world, one of the best clubs in the world, that is the minimum that you have to do. You have to be in perfect condition,” he concluded.
Confirmed lineups for Manchester United and West Ham United
Manchester United’s confirmed lineups (3-4-2-1): Altay Bayindir; Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven; Amad Diallo Traore, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Kobbie Mainoo, Matheus Cunha; Rasmus Hojlund.
Head coach: Ruben Amorim.
West Ham United’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): Alphose Areola, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Claire Todibo, Max Kilman, Nayef Aguerd; Guido Rodriguez, James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek; Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug, Malick Diouf.
Head coach: Graham Potter.
