Atlanta, USA – Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes didn’t hold back after his team’s 2-2 preseason draw with fellow Premier League side Everton on Sunday in Atlanta, Georgia. Fernandes publicly criticized his teammates’ “lazy” performance and emphasized the need for further reinforcements ahead of the new season.
A second-half goal from Mason Mount had put United on course for a victory after Fernandes’s opener was canceled out by Iliman Ndiaye. However, a bizarre 75th-minute own goal by Ayden Heaven gifted Everton the draw, putting a damper on the Old Trafford club’s U.S. tour that had seen promising victories over West Ham United and Bournemouth last month.
Fernandes Demands Higher Standards and More Quality
Speaking to NBC Sports, Fernandes expressed his disappointment. “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 stated. While acknowledging the tour’s importance for integrating new players and developing their playing style, he made it clear that the current level isn’t sufficient.
United is looking to rebound from their worst-ever Premier League campaign in the 2024-2025 season, where they finished a dismal 15th. They’ve already signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom started against Everton, but Fernandes believes more is needed.
“It’s improving. But it’s not the place it needs to be,” Fernandes said, cautiously navigating the club’s financial situation. “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.” The transfer window is set to close on September 1.
Manager Amorim Responds to Captain’s Comments
Asked about his captain’s candid remarks, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim seemed to welcome the sentiment. “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,” Amorim told reporters.
Reflecting on the tour, Amorim added, “I think the momentum of the tour was perfect. We had the weeks to work with a good environment, good feeling, and then we go back to Carrington [training ground], and we are near to start the season. We are going with the feeling that we need to do a lot of things [better].”
Manchester United is scheduled to kick off their Premier League season on August 17 against Arsenal. The club will be hoping Fernandes’s fiery message ignites a strong start and that potential new arrivals bolster their ranks for a more successful campaign.
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