Bruno blasts ‘lazy’ United after pre-season stumble against Everton

ATLANTA: Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes didn’t hold back after his side’s 2-2 pre-season draw with Everton, slamming the performance as “lazy” and urging the club to bring in more reinforcements before the new Premier League season kicks off.

United looked poised for victory after Mason Mount’s second-half strike put them ahead following an opener from Fernandes. But a bizarre own goal by Ayden Heaven in the 75th minute gifted Everton the draw in front of a U.S. crowd.

“We didn’t want to finish in this way. Our performance wasn’t the best and we were a little bit lazy today. Laziness can cost you at any moment,” Fernandes told NBC Sports.

The result took some shine off United’s promising U.S. tour, which featured wins over West Ham and Bournemouth, and follows a disastrous 2024–25 campaign that saw the club finish 15th in the league—their worst-ever showing.

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The club has signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in a bid to rebuild, but Fernandes stressed more quality is needed.

“It’s improving, but it’s not where it needs to be,” he said. “We clearly need more competition and quality to push everyone harder. Hopefully, we can get one or two more players in.”

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New manager Ruben Amorim backed Fernandes’s remarks, saying: “It’s a good sign that players feel that way. The momentum of the tour was great, but we know we still have a lot to improve.”

United will open their Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17.

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