Rasmus Hojlund celebration shows his true Manchester United feelings amid Benjamin Sesko pursuit

It is no secret Manchester United want to sign a striker in the final month of the summer transfer window, and Rasmus Hojlund will surely have heard news of their Benjamin Sesko pursuit. He has already had two full seasons to prove his credentials as United’s main man in attack, but all he can do now is work his hardest to prove he should still be the man next season.

Hojlund might have more understanding if United were pursuing an experienced Premier League-proven star who could arrive and bring a firmer guarantee of goals next season. Sesko is younger than the Dane, and is in a similar position to the one Hojlund was when he joined two summers ago.

Pre-season matches don’t really matter, but they matter to those with a point to prove. Hojlund made his, with a lively display against Bournemouth and a well-taken goal that reminded us of the untapped potential he still has to offer. It might not be enough to alter those transfer plans, but it is all he can do for now. You only had to see the extent of his celebration to see just how much it meant.

No sign of the signings

Manchester United fans knew they would not see Bryan Mbeumo in action against Bournemouth, but they didn’t expect Matheus Cunha to miss out as well. The Brazilian played 66 minutes in the weekend win over West Ham but was not involved in midweek due to issues with ‘fatigue’.

Ruben Amorim does not need to take risks at this stage of the summer and if Cunha is fit and firing for their season opener against Arsenal next month, then the decision is firmly vindicated. In the absence of the two new attacking signings, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo featured in the two advanced midfield roles. They both played well, but neither of them played with the energy and enterprise Cunha managed in the previous match.

What it does mean is that we should get a clearer idea of United’s strongest starting line up when they face Everton this weekend, while next week’s home friendly with Fiorentina will be a dress rehearsal for the new campaign.

Great Dane

It wouldn’t be pre-season without the stereotypical star who ‘feels like a new signing.’ This summer, it has been Patrick Dorgu.

The 20-year-old only joined United earlier this year, but due to the monotonous and repetitive nature of his first few months with the club, it sometimes feels like he has been here a lot longer. Dorgu has only made 20 competitive appearances for his new club, so perhaps the reason he comes across as a new signing is simply because he is.

It would be hugely unfair to judge his ability from his first few months, when he was adapting to a new league as part of a dysfunctional side that was low on confidence. He was always likely to improve after a full pre-season schedule under Ruben Amorim, and he shone against Bournemouth with a goal and an assist that showcased his obvious attacking threat. Now he just needs to do it when it matters most.

Amad adds to attacking conundrum

Another key change from the West Ham win saw Amad move from the right wing-back role into one of the two attacking midfield berths. The general expectation is the Ivorian will feature out wide once Bryan Mbeumo is up to speed with his new surroundings, though this was a timely reminder that he is still at his best when played in a more advanced role.

It doesn’t make things any easier for Ruben Amorim. With just over two weeks to go until the start of the new season, there is still no standout candidate for the right wing-back position, and they are overstocked in the attacking midfield roles.

Amorim will be delighted to have such fierce competition for places next season but with Mbeumo, Amad, Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo all better in an attacking midfield role, it is quite simply unsustainable to keep them all around.

Ethan Williams takes his chance

Ethan Williams has had to wait a while for his chance in the Manchester United spotlight. It only took him two minutes from the bench to make the most of the moment. With the match already wrapped up, Ruben Amorim made wholesale changes to his line up for the final stages against Bournemouth, with the 19-year-old one of those introduced.

Diego Leon stormed down the left wing, and when the ball fell to his new United teammate, Williams finished low and hard at the near-post like a seasoned veteran. It might not do much to change Ruben Amorim’s thinking, but it was clear evidence of the obvious talent he has.

Williams was not initially expected to be involved in the US tour due to loan interest in his signature, and after his latest performance, he won’t be short of offers when he gets back next week.

PLAYER RATINGS: 'Excellent' 9/10 like a new signing in 4-1 Bournemouth win