Ridiculous statistic from West Ham friendly proves United are still a bigger attraction than the world’s best

Manchester United’s pre-season victory over West Ham United in the early hours of Sunday morning saw the club set a new amazing record in the United States.

United triumph over West Ham

Ruben Amorim’s men beat West Ham 2-1 during the opening match of their US pre-season tour at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

United raced to an early lead, with Bruno Fernandes converting from the spot-kick just five minutes in after Ayden Heaven won the penalty.

The Red Devils were the dominant side, limiting West Ham to very few forays into attacking or promising positions. United went two goals up shortly after the break courtesy of their skipper, who produced a fantastic finish after a calamitous error from the goalkeeper.

West Ham threatened to mount a comeback when Jarrod Bowen halved the deficit but United held on and ran out winners.

It was a match filled with positives for United on the pitch, and even more reasons to smile off it, as they smashed the US attendance record.

United set a new US attendance record

Despite their sporting decline since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, United’s global appeal has barely waned.

The 20-time English champions are synonymous with attracting tens of thousands of supporters wherever they go, and it was no different at MetLife Stadium.

A staggering 82,566 fans filled the stadium, setting a new benchmark for the largest football crowd in the United States in 2025.

This massive turnout eclipsed the previous high set earlier this year during the FIFA Club World Cup final, which saw Chelsea come up against Paris Saint-Germain. The final drew 81,118 spectators.

The attendance for Man United’s 2–1 win over West Ham at MetLife Stadium was 82,566 🤩

It’s the biggest crowd for a football match in the US this year, beating the Club World Cup final’s 81,118 😮 pic.twitter.com/VAoOsePl8D

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 27, 2025

The MetLife Stadium was awash with a sea of red supporters who turned out in full force to support United and they were certainly treated to a good show.

Fernandes may have grabbed all the headlines with his double but there were many other outstanding performers including new boy Matheus Cunha, Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.

Featured image Vincent Carchietta via Getty Images

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