Bruno Fernandes Slams ‘Lazy’ Manchester United After Everton Draw

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes expressed frustration with his team’s performance following a 2-2 pre-season draw against Everton on July 28, 2024. The match, held in Atlanta, Georgia, featured a second-half goal from Mason Mount, which initially put United ahead after Fernandes had opened the scoring. However, an own goal by Ayden Heaven in the 75th minute allowed Everton to equalize, leaving the Manchester club with a disappointing result.

The draw marked a setback for United during their tour of the United States, which had seen them achieve promising victories over West Ham United and Bournemouth in previous matches. Fernandes did not hold back in his critique, stating, “Our performance wasn’t the best and we were a little bit lazy today.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards, noting that “with laziness you can pay at any moment.”

Manchester United’s Struggles and Transfer Needs

Manchester United experienced their worst-ever Premier League season in 2024-25, finishing in 15th place. As the club looks to strengthen its squad during the transfer window, they have already signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom played against Everton. Fernandes acknowledged the need for more quality and competition within the squad, saying, “It was crystal clear we needed more competition for the players that were here.”

Reflecting on the club’s financial constraints, Fernandes stated, “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.” He expressed hope that the club would secure “one or two players more to help with that,” emphasizing the necessity for improvement ahead of the new season.

Manager’s Perspective and Future Outlook

In response to Fernandes’s comments, manager Rubén Amorim conveyed a supportive stance, stating, “I think I’m happy for the players to have that feeling. It’s saying that they understand the situation.” Amorim believes that the team has benefitted from a positive atmosphere during their preseason tour, which he hopes will translate into better performances once they return to training at Carrington.

As Manchester United prepares to begin the new Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17, 2024, both the players and management are aware of the need to address issues highlighted during the pre-season matches. Amorim concluded, “We are going with the feeling that we need to do a lot of things better.” The upcoming season presents a critical opportunity for United to bounce back from their previous struggles and reaffirm their position among England’s elite football clubs.