Manchester United's Fernandes voices displeasure over lethargic performance in the pre-season encounter against Everton.
Manchester United's Pre-Season Draw: A Call for Improvement from Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United's tour of the United States took a slight turn following a 2-2 draw with Everton in the Premier League Summer Series on August 3, 2025. The draw, which occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, came after promising victories over West Ham United and Bournemouth.
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United's midfield maestro, was the one to open the scoring from a penalty after a foul on Amad Diallo. However, the overall performance of the team left much to be desired, according to Fernandes. He described the team's display as "lazy," especially off the ball, and emphasized the need to avoid such complacency since mistakes can be costly.
Fernandes also highlighted the positive aspects of the pre-season tour, noting it helped to create bonding among players and integrate new signings. He expressed hopes for further player signings to strengthen the squad.
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United's manager, shared similar sentiments. He stated that the team needs to work on improving various aspects when they return to Carrington (training ground). Amorim believes that the players' feelings indicate their awareness of the team's situation. He expressed satisfaction with the players' understanding of the need for more competition and quality within the team.
The draw ended with Everton equalizing twice, including a freak own goal. Mason Mount scored a goal for United, putting them on course for victory, but an own goal by Ayden Heaven resulted in a draw.
Despite the setback, Amorim expressed satisfaction with the momentum of the tour. Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season, which was their worst-ever performance. The club has since signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in an effort to strengthen the squad.
Manchester United's new Premier League season begins against Arsenal on August 17. Fernandes' critique, delivered in post-match comments and interviews, underscores his leadership role and high expectations for team performance. His call for improvement serves as a reminder that even in the face of setbacks, the team remains focused on achieving success.
[1] BBC News, "Man Utd draw with Everton in Premier League Summer Series," August 3, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58804988
[2] Sky Sports, "Fernandes: United display was 'lazy'," August 3, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12311495/fernandes-united-display-was-lazy
[4] The Guardian, "Man Utd's pre-season draw with Everton: as it happened," August 3, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2025/aug/03/manchester-united-vs-everton-live-premier-league-summer-series-match-report
- The environmental impact of Manchester United's pre-season tour, including travel emissions, may warrant careful consideration for those concerned about sustainability in sports.
- Following the draw with Everton, Bruno Fernandes' focus remains on his career, aiming to lead Manchester United to success in the upcoming European leagues and the Premier League.
- Despite the displeasing draw, travel experiences such as visiting America during the pre-season can provide valuable opportunities for building camaraderie among team members and integrating new players.
- As Manchester United gears up for the new season, fans and sports enthusiasts eagerly anticipate news about the club's performance in competitions, particularly the Premier League and their highly anticipated match against Arsenal.
