
- Date: Saturday, 26 July 2025
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
- Fixture: International Club Friendlies – Manchester United vs West Ham United
The Summer Showdown in the USA
New Jersey’s legendary MetLife Stadium sets the stage for a mouthwatering summer friendly as Manchester United lock horns with West Ham United. The Red Devils’ US Tour opener pits them against familiar Premier League foes, but with both clubs in the midst of reshuffles, expect intensity and entertainment as the squads blend new faces and established stars. Manchester United, guided by Ruben Amorim after a shaky domestic finish last season, will be eager to start their pre-season with a bang, especially after losing to West Ham at Old Trafford in their last meeting.
West Ham, under Graham Potter, arrive brimming with renewed confidence. Their most recent exploits include a 3-1 pre-season victory over Grasshoppers as they fine-tune their tactics and bolster partnerships for the upcoming campaign. With strong traveling support and several former United faces in their ranks, the Hammers will relish a chance to make their mark under the American summer lights. Both managers are expected to tinker with lineups, but make no mistake: the competition for places will guarantee a spicy, no-holds-barred contest.
Manchester United’s recent form has been a mixed bag. Their end to the competitive campaign saw heartbreak in both the Premier League and Europe but was brightened by a strong win over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semifinals before a 0-2 defeat to these very Hammers on home turf. Amorim’s summer signings—including Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford—will be watched closely, and the return of Luke Shaw from injury, plus the continued impact of stars like Fernandes and Hojlund, adds intrigue to the friendly setup.
For West Ham, injury absences such as Michail Antonio and Crysencio Summerville will be felt, but the attacking flair of Jarrod Bowen (who scored in the last meeting), Kudus, and experienced heads like James Ward-Prowse and Soucek add plenty of threat. At the back, summer arrival Max Kilman shores up a defense that will need its best against United’s multi-talented front line. The tactical chess match between Potter and Amorim, both with plenty to prove, ensures this friendly will be played at full tilt.
Recent Results & Team News
Manchester United (Recent Competitive Results)
- 2-0 win vs Aston Villa (25 May)
- 0-2 loss vs West Ham (11 May)
- Lost Europa League final to Tottenham
- Key absences: Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven, Toby Collyer, Diogo Dalot (injuries). Harry Maguire is a doubt.
West Ham United (Recent Results)
- 3-1 win vs Grasshopper Club Zürich (19 July, pre-season)
- 3-1 win vs Ipswich (25 May)
- 2-0 win at Manchester United (11 May)
- Key absences: Crysencio Summerville (thigh), Michail Antonio (leg).
Key Players to Watch
- Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes (creative engine), Rasmus Hojlund (striker), Bryan Mbeumo (high-profile new signing), Mason Mount (midfield dynamo), Luke Shaw (returning from injury), and Altay Bayindir (likely pre-season goalkeeper).
- West Ham United: Jarrod Bowen (captain, goalscorer), Mohammed Kudus (attacking midfield), Tomas Soucek (midfield engine), James Ward-Prowse (set-piece specialist), Max Kilman (central defense), and Alphonse Areola (goalkeeper).
Prediction
With both squads integrating fresh faces and testing new combinations, expect a competitive, open game with attacking intent on full display—a hallmark of pre-season US friendlies. United’s attacking reinforcements and desire to rebound after May’s loss may give them the edge, but West Ham’s recent success and tactical discipline under Potter should not be underestimated.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 West Ham United.
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Fractional Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester United Win | 4/6 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 3/1 | Bet Now |
| West Ham United Win | 4/1 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 8/11 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score – Yes | 4/7 | Bet Now |
| First Goalscorer: Rasmus Hojlund | 5/1 | Bet Now |
| First Goalscorer: Jarrod Bowen | 15/2 | Bet Now |
Odds illustrative – verify directly before betting.
All odds subject to change.
Get ready for fireworks in New Jersey as summer friendlies heat up — with new arrivals, returning stars, and club pride all on the line.

