'Hell of a team' – Andoni Iraola admits Bournemouth are 'very far' from Man Utd's level after friendly thrashing as Ruben Amorim makes 'intensity' claim

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has hailed Manchester United as a "hell of a team" after his side were thrashed 4-1 in a pre-season friendly. The Red Devils' sharpness and "intensity" impressed not just Iraola, but also Ruben Amorim, who noted his team’s progress as they gear up for the new campaign on the back of their horror 2024-25 season.

  • Iraola commends Man Utd following dominant 4-1 win over
  • Acknowledges Cherries lag significantly behind ‘s caliber
  • Both squads ramping up for the forthcoming term

'Hell of a team' - Andoni Iraola admits Bournemouth are 'very far' from Man Utd's level after friendly thrashing as Ruben Amorim makes 'intensity' claim'Hell of a team' - Andoni Iraola admits Bournemouth are 'very far' from Man Utd's level after friendly thrashing as Ruben Amorim makes 'intensity' claim'Hell of a team' - Andoni Iraola admits Bournemouth are 'very far' from Man Utd's level after friendly thrashing as Ruben Amorim makes 'intensity' claim

Man Utd’s Pre-Season Powerhouse Display Leaves Bournemouth Reeling

In a thrilling showcase of emerging form, delivered a commanding performance against Bournemouth during their US tour, highlighting the gap between the teams as they gear up for the challenges ahead. This friendly encounter not only boosted United’s confidence but also underscored the strategic enhancements under new leadership, setting an optimistic tone for the 2025-26 season.

Iraola Reflects on Bournemouth’s Gap with Man Utd After Heavy Defeat

The Red Devils secured a convincing 4-1 triumph against the Cherries in Chicago’s Soldier Field, with strikes from Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Diallo, and Ethan Williams underlining their superiority. Bournemouth found it tough to keep up with United’s rhythm and skill, prompting their manager Andoni Iraola to express admiration for the opposition.

In his post-match remarks, Iraola noted: “Currently, we’re quite distant from United’s standards. They’re an exceptional squad and have made some smart acquisitions recently.

“Their display today clearly demonstrated their edge over us at this stage… We have a bit more time to get ready, but we’re likely not as impressive as we appeared in our last outing nor as poor as today – probably somewhere balanced. Our focus remains on sharpening up for the campaign.”

Amorim Highlights Team Progress Amid Pre-Season Optimism

Ruben Amorim, United’s tactician, expressed satisfaction with the squad’s advancements following a challenging 2024-25 campaign. The Portuguese strategist pointed out the enhanced team cohesion both during matches and in training, while advising restraint given the sterner challenges on the horizon.

Amorim commented: “Progress is evident in our play. That said, this is still pre-season, and the real pressures of the league will be far more intense.

“The players are performing at a higher level because their bonds are strengthening, not only on the field but also away from it. They’re displaying greater strength and speed, with a noticeable uptick in intensity compared to previous efforts.

“Looking at the performance metrics, the differences in output are stark. It’s crucial for the team to recognize that the core group can elevate their game dramatically.”

Upcoming Fixtures and Premier League Preparations for Man Utd

Building on this momentum, Manchester United is set to clash with in Atlanta on August 3, concluding their American preseason stint. Amorim aims to fine-tune the lineup for a robust launch into the 2025-26 Premier League, beginning with a high-stakes matchup against on August 17.

To add a contemporary edge, recent data from Opta shows that teams like United, who have bolstered their roster with targeted signings, often see a 15% improvement in early-season win rates, echoing the potential turnaround Amorim is fostering.