Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the United States came to an end with a 2-2 draw against fellow Premier League side Everton in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the Red Devils who took the lead, courtesy of a successful penalty taken by their captain, Bruno Fernandes in the 19th minute. However, Iliman Ndiaye equalised for Everton in the 40th minute.
Mason Mount then scored a beautiful goal to make it 2-1 in favour of Ruben Amorim’s side in the 69th minute. But an unfortunate own goal by Ayden Heaven in the 75th minute made it 2-2, and the game eventually ended in a draw.
After two promising wins against West Ham United and Bournemouth, this draw raised some questions for Amorim’s side ahead of the upcoming season. The result clearly didn’t sit well with Fernandes, who called the team “lazy” and pointed out the main reason behind the draw against Everton.
While speaking to NVC Sports, Fernandes said: “It’s been important for developing how we want to play and getting the new players involved too. We didn’t want to finish in this way. Our performance wasn’t the best and we were a little bit lazy today. We want to avoid that because with laziness you can pay at any moment.”
He further addressed the need for more reinforcements: “It’s improving. But it’s not the place it needs to be. I don’t want to take a dig at anyone but the club is doing the best they can in terms of the financial situation they talk about. But it was crystal clear we needed more competition for the players that were here, more quality to get everyone to step up a little more to get to the XI, and I think that is what the club are trying to do. Hopefully we can get one or two players more to help with that,” he concluded.
When Amorim was asked about Fernandes’ comments, the manager took it positively, saying: “I think I’m happy for the players to have that feeling. It’s saying that they understand the situation. So, it’s a good feeling.”
Manchester United will begin their Premier League season on 17 August against Arsenal at Old Trafford. But before that, they will be in action in another pre-season friendly game, which is on 9 August against Fiorentina at Old Trafford.
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