Bruno Fernandes during Man United’s pre‑season tour in the United States, shortly before branding part of the team’s 2‑2 draw with Everton as “lazy (AFP)
After promising wins over West Ham United and Bournemouth, the Old Trafford club's tour of the United States was somewhat derailed by the draw against Everton. After Fernandes's first goal was cancelled out by Iliman Ndiaye, Mason Mount's strike in the second half put United on track to win in Atlanta, Georgia. However, Everton was awarded the draw on Sunday due to an odd own goal by Ayden Heaven in the 75th minute.
A captain of Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes unleashed after the 2 - 2 draw they had against Everton in Atlanta, calling parts of the team's performance "lazy". He admitted negligence in his part which led to the equaliser of Everton-and emphasized the danger of complacency: "Our performance wasn't the best off the ball. We were a little bit lazy..."
Primitive penalty kick goal in taking the lead before Mason Mount also quickly restored it, but defensive errors like Ayden Heaven's freak own goal allowed Everton to draw even. Fernandes nagged: "Laziness you can pay for at any moment."
“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,” Fernandes said.
Last place finishes in the Premier League for the 2015-16 season highlighted the need for further investment in the squad, according to Fernandes. He praised new arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo but pushed for better quality and competition. United is said to be courting several players, including RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, in order to strengthen its front line. CEO Omar Berrada confirmed efforts to bring an acceleration to recruitment through "early-morning and late-night negotiations."
Manager Ruben Amorim publicly backed Fernandes's critique, adding that it demonstrates the player's maturity and awareness in the squad's mind.
"We are going with the feeling that we need to do a lot of things (better).” United begins the new Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17.
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