Man Utd 2 Everton 2: Amorim left to rue bizarre own goal but draw enough to win Premier League Summer Series
OWN-ING UP Man Utd 2 Everton 2: Amorim left to rue bizarre own goal but draw enough to win Premier League Summer Series
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
TWO steps forward for Manchester United in New Jersey and Chicago.
But a big one back in the wrong direction in the Big Peach - and the first indication that the issues of last term cannot be made to disappear overnight.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
6
Vitaliy Mykolenko and Tyler Onyango celebrate Everton's 75th minute leveller
Credit: Getty
6
Bruno Fernandes congratulates Mason Mount for his brilliant strike
Credit: Getty
Twice, through a Bruno Fernandes penalty and then a beauty by Mason Mount, United were ahead and looking to make it three on the trot as they lifted Summer Series silverware.
With Bruno operating in a rotating attacking trident alongside new recruits Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, there was plenty to be excited about when United were on the ball.
Yet the defensive deficiencies that undermined Ruben Amorim's team last season resurfaced once again in the magnificent Mercedes-Benz Stadium, problems that HAVE to be addressed if United are to really start moving in the right direction.
Manuel Ugarte's shocker was punished by Iliman Ndiaye as Everton looked much more like a David Moyes side for the first time in the USA.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
SESK APPEAL Sesko's stance on Man Utd and Newcastle interest as Leipzig hope for bid war
And even after Mount's curler, more cataclysmic defending ended with Ayden Heaven debited with an own goal he could do nothing about as Amad Diallo crashed the ball wildly against him.
While United will surely not be short of goals this season, this was a warning that they may be no better equipped to stop shipping them at the other end.
Amorim can instil all the culture, unity and spirit in the world.
Yet if you have a midfield that feels more like a doughnut than a wall - with a big hole in the middle - there is only one outcome.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
This was United in Jekyll and Hyde mode.
Going forward, with Fernandes, Cunha and Mbeumo given the freedom to switch positions, United offered plenty.
SunSport's chief reporter Martin Lipton previews the season ahead for Man Utd... with confidence in the air
Cunha, still looking for his first United goal, could have had it twice in the opening 16 minutes.
First the Brazilian, found by the fast-raiding Amad Diallo and surging into the box, prodded across the face of goal with the outside of his left boot, before another half-chance was blocked.
In between, though, Everton should have been in front, with right-back Jake O'Brien hitting the post when Altir Bayindor patted a James Garner free-kick straight into his path.
United were dangerous in transition and went in front on 18 minutes - although it seemed a debatable penalty decision.
All-action Mbeumo's excellent first time reverse sent Diallo scampering into the box and when his attempted ball inside came back to him off James Tarkowski, he made the most of a grasp of his shirt shoulder to go down.
Thomas Bramhall, equipped with Ref Cam for the TV viewers, pointed instantly to the spot, much to Tarkowski's disbelief.
It was one that a VAR official might have taken a long look at but with that not in operation in the Summer Series, Fernandes stepped up to find the bottom corner as Jordan Pickford was rooted.
United as a club have put their faith in Manuel Ugarte, one that appeared misplaced throughout and especially when his basic error allowed Ndiaye to level.
6
Bruno Fernandes fires Man Utd level from the penalty spot
Credit: Getty
6
Bryan Mbeumo congratulates Bruno Fernandes
Credit: Getty
The Uruguayan was criminally caught in possession as he attempted to run out of his own box and Idrissa Gana Gueye's instant switch found Ndiaye unmarked to steer back past Bayindor on the half-volley.
Indeed, when Kobbie Mainoo made a horlicks of Garner's long throw, O'Brien could have headed Everton in front soon afterwards.
Mbeumo, in a pre-planned move, made way at half-time with Patrick Dorgo on, Diogo Dalot switching right and Amad playing further forward.
Everton were still asking more questions, Leny Yoro bailing out Matthijs de Ligt when Beto appeared on his way to goal.
Mount, however, changed the mood inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium when he span off Bruno's flicked inside pass to thread a beauty across Pickford and into the far corner.
Not for long. Fernandes was engaged in a shoving match on half-way after an ugly swipe as Ndiaye ran away to feed substitute Tyler Onyango, with Amad's interception only bringing an unwitting deflection off Heaven that trundled into the United net.
Dorgu, played in by Mount, could have nicked it, Rasmus Hojlund kicking the post in frustration that his fellow Dane had not picked him out. United would not have deserved that. Plenty still to work on.
6
Everton celebrate Iliman Ndiaye's equaliser
Credit: Getty
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
10 minutes ago
- Reuters
Fernandes critical of 'lazy' Manchester United in pre-season draw with Everton
Aug 4 (Reuters) - Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes let rip at his teammates following their 2-2 pre-season draw with fellow Premier League side Everton, saying their performance was "lazy" and calling for further reinforcements. A second-half goal from Mason Mount had United on course for victory in Atlanta, Georgia after Fernandes's opener was cancelled out by Iliman Ndiaye, but a bizarre 75th-minute own goal by Ayden Heaven gifted Everton the draw on Sunday. The draw put a slight damper on the Old Trafford club's tour of the United States, after promising victories over West Ham United and Bournemouth last month. "It's been important for developing how we want to play and getting the new players involved too," Fernandes told NBC Sports. "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." United had their worst-ever Premier League campaign in the 2024-25 season, finishing 15th in the standings, and are looking to strengthen in the transfer window, signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo - both of whom started against Everton. "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. "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." Asked about Fernandes's comments, manager Ruben Amorim told reporters: "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. "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)." United begin the new Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17.
The Sun
12 minutes ago
- The Sun
Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes involved in ugly scuffle with Iliman Ndiaye as team-mates rush in to separate them
BRUNO FERNANDES and Iliman Ndiaye came to blows in an ugly clash during Manchester United's 2-2 pre-season draw with Everton on Sunday night. The Red Devils failed to win for the first time on their pre-season tour of the USA, and a lapse in concentration from captain Fernandes could be to blame for a sloppy equaliser. 7 7 7 Fernandes, 30, has been the rare shining light in United's miserable form of recent months but seemed to let his temper get the better of him during Sunday's match. With United leading 2-1, the Portuguese playmaker was chasing Everton 's Ndiaye as the Toffees launched a counter attack when he appeared to kick out at the Senegal international as he skipped away from him. Ndiaye was incensed by the lunging kick, which seemingly had no chance of nicking the ball away, and immediately turned to confront Fernandes. Tempers began to flare from there with the pair trading shoves on the half-way line and attracting the interest of teammates who tried to pull them apart. Mason Mount took the brunt of the anger as he stepped in to calm things down, seemingly been grabbed round the neck by Ndiaye. The moment of madness from Fernandes and Ndiaye proved costly for United, as a lapse in concentration allowed Everton the opportunity to stream forward with five on five. That attack had United's defence all over the place as Amad Diallo tackled Dwight McNeil inside the box only for his challenge to hit the ball against teammate Ayden Heaven and into the goal for a Heaven own goal. There were muted celebrations from the Everton team as attention was quickly drawn to Fernandes and Ndiaye, who were still going at it on the half-way line. 7 The referee ultimately had to show both players a yellow card for their outburst. It tarnished an otherwise impressive outing for the pair who had both found the net earlier in the game. SunSport's chief reporter Martin Lipton's verdict on Man Utd's draw vs Everton... and it's worrying for Red Devils fans Fernandes opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a calmly taken penalty after James Tarkowski brought down Amad in the area. While Ndiaye was the Everton man to level the scores in the 39th minute when he tidily tucked home a delicious cross from Idrissa Gana Gueye at the back post. Fernandes later set up Mason Mount's 69th minute goal for United, making a clever sideways pass into the box for Mount to spectacularly send curling into the far corner of Jordan Pickford 's net. Fernandes was frustrated with his team's inability to hold on to their lead twice after the match, telling NBC Sports that United were "lazy". He said: "It's not where we want it to be. It's every detail, every small detail matters. 7 'Our performance wasn't the best off the ball. We were a little bit lazy and we have to avoid that because the laziness you can pay at any moment. We need to change that. 'The situation is improving but we are not where this club needs to be. 'At this football club you can't do anything wrong on the pitch and off the pitch because it's too big worldwide and you get punished by that. 'The culture here was winning and we need to bring that back. Not only the winning mentality that we need, and I think that's always been there, but obviously if you don't win you don't show it. 'A lot of people have suffered from this, a lot of people who had been working at the club for many many years had to go. 'The fans are paying more for tickets and we appreciate all the effort they put in for us so now it's up to us to pay it back on the pitch.'
Daily Mirror
42 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Ruben Amorim reveals what Bryan Mbeumo must do for Man Utd after promising first start
Bryan Mbeumo made his first Manchester United appearance against Everton in Atlanta and Ruben Amorim explained what his new forward still needs to do for the new season Ruben Amorim believes Bryan Mbeumo made a promising start to life at Manchester United but has conceded the forward is still getting up to speed. The forward made his first start for the club as the Red Devils won the Premier League Summer Series following a 2-2 draw with Everton in the United States. Mbeumo, 25, played the opening 45 minutes of the clash in which Amorim's side put in a frustrating display. The club's newest signing arrived in a £71million deal from Brentford to join up with the squad for their pre-season tour but made his first appearance on Sunday, having previously only participated in training. The forward played in attack with Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha against the Toffees in Atlanta and occupied positions across the whole of the front three. Mbeumo already appears to have been handed some responsibility too as he took on some free-kicks for his new team. Cameroon international Mbeumo played a role in United's opening goal as he delivered a first-time pass to Amad, who went on to win a penalty that Fernandes converted. And he went close to opening his account after having two shots blocked in quick succession. But Amorim warned that Mbeumo must still get up speed ahead of the new season and explained his new charge would continue to learn his role in the side. "He played well,' said Amorim. "He needs to understand the position, the movements, but [his] first touch, the way you connect with one touch, open[ing] a lot of space. "You can see he's not in perfect condition, physically, but he makes a lot of runs and that can stretch a team." United have been linked with more additions this summer, with the club said to be in contention to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. The Red Devils face competition from Newcastle for the striker's signature. And the Premier League giants are still looking to offload a number of stars including Antony and Jadon Sancho. But Amorim has suggested he would be happy with this squad heading into the season. "Of course, one team can also always improve with more players, but we have players to make that competition,' Amorim continued. 'We need to improve as a team. We have potential to improve with our players. I'm really happy with the squad." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
