Bruno Fernandes in flare-up with Everton star as Man Utd own goal costs win

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

MAN UTD 2-2 EVERTON: Bryan Mbeumo made his first appearance in a United shirt, but Everton twice battled back to earn a draw in Atlanta after a bizarre Ayden Heaven own goal
Manchester United and Everton played out a draw in the final game of the Premier League Summer Series at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead from the penalty spot, before Iliman Ndiaye equalised with a fine angled finish. Substitute Mason Mount restored United's lead, but an Ayden Heaven own goal 15 minutes from time ensured it ended honours even.
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Ruben Amorim's side lifted the trophy, after remaining unbeaten in the Stateside mini-tournament, with two wins and a draw. Here are five talking points from the final fixture of the US tour:
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BRYAN MBEUMO MAKES ENCOURAGING UNITED DEBUT
Bryan Mbeumo made his long-awaited United debut, following his £71million move from Brentford, having sat out the first two tour games in the US to work on his fitness.
Playing as a right-sided No.10, Mbeumo had a quiet start to the game, but played a role in United's opener, delivering a first-time pass to Amad, who won a generous penalty when he went down after little contact from James Tarkowski, with Fernandes converting from the spot.
Mbeumo had earlier been involved in a slick attacking move involving Fernandes, Amad and Matheus Cunha, the latter unable to get his shot on target. Mbeumo was unlucky not to score just before the half-hour, when he had two shots blocked in quick succession, racing on to the loose ball after Jordan Pickford had blocked a Fernandes effort. Mbeumo was replaced at half-time by Patrick Dorgu and United's newest recruit still has work to do to get up to full fitness for the start of the new season.
UGARTE STILL A LIABILITY AT TIMES
Manuel Ugarte was one of United's most impressive players in their opening tour game, a 2-1 win over West Ham at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. Pressing high, winning back possession with tenacity and speed, Ugarte's high-tempo performance suggested he was in pole position to start United's Premier League opener at home to Arsenal on August 17.
Here, though, the Uruguay midfielder's shortcomings resurfaced, never more so than in the 40th minute, when he attempted to bring the ball out from just outside of his own penalty area, only to be dispossessed by James Tarkowski. Idrissa Gueye picked up the loose ball and crossed for Iliman Ndiaye, who applied a clinical angled finish at the far post to make it 1-1. The goal was entirely Ugarte's fault and it remains to be seen if Amorim feels he can trust him to start against Arsenal.
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A HUGE SEASON AWAITS FOR MAINOO
At the start of United's US tour, Amorim said he had 'big plans' for Kobbie Mainoo this season, in contrast to last term, when the England midfielder fell out of favour under his new boss. A sub for United's final three games, Maino came on with a minute left as United lost the Europa League final to Tottenham. On tour, however, Amorim's selection and praise of Mainoo suggests the 21-year-old will play a bigger role in the upcoming season.
'Mainoo, with those feet, playing the ball, if he finds the right pace, I will find a new solution,' said Amorim. 'He's going to be faster.' Unlike Ugarte, Mainoo looked assured in midfield, with Fernandes – who played deeper in the previous game - operating higher up the pitch. Given the way last season fizzled out for him, the upcoming one is one of huge significance for Mainoo, for club and country, with the World Cup back here in the US at the end of it.
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MASON MOUNT GOAL A TIMELY REMINDER OF HIS QUALITY
Having been a hostage to injury for most of his two seasons at United, following his £60m move from Chelsea, Mason Mount has become a somewhat forgotten man. Although he ended last season on a positive note, returning to the starting line-up for the Europa League final and scoring three goals, the jury remains out on Mount because of his unavailability through injury.
But on tour he has looked sharp and, most importantly, free from the persistent injury issues that have held him back from showing his best since joining United. Here, Mount showcased his goal threat, producing a fine angled finish 10 minutes after coming on in the second-half, to put United ahead.
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Although there will be huge competition at United next season, with one game a week following their failure to qualify for Europe, Mount has served notice he can play a key role and make up for lost time.
FERNANDES AND NDIAYE FLARE-UP GIVES EDGE TO GAME
Too often, these pre-season games can be insipid affairs, where players play within themselves to avoid injury or overload before the start of the new campaign. But there has been a competitive edge to all six games as part of the Premier League Summer series and, in this encounter, some needle between United skipper Fernandes and Everton goalscorer Iliman Ndiaye.
Deep into the second-half, Fernandes tried to recover the ball from Ndiaye, with a robust challenge from behind that the Senegal forward deemed too excessive. Pushes were exchanged between Fernandes and Ndiaye, with team-mates rushing to intervene between them, while play continued and Everton made it 2-2 with an own goal from Ayden Heaven. When the dust had settled on their flare-up, Fernandes and Ndiaye made up, but not before both had been shown yellow cards.