Inside Story: Front-foot football in Chicago
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.
