Bruno Fernandes slams ‘lazy' Man Utd performance and worryingly admits side are ‘not where they want to be'
United chief executive Omar Berrarda says the club is 'working round the clock' to strengthen Ruben Amorim's squad.
5
Bruno Fernandes slammed his team as 'lazy' after United drew 2-2 with Everton
Credit: Getty
5
Fernandes scored his third pre-season goal and second from the spot before a string of defensive howlers
Credit: Getty
And the Old Trafford hierarchy may well intensify those efforts after United looked second best for long periods by David Moyes' men.
Fernandes' penalty and a beauty from Mason Mount twice put United in front in their final Summer Series game, only for comical errors to see Everton level through Iliman Ndiaye and an Ayden Heaven own goal.
And Fernandes, caught up in his own spat with Ndiaye in the lead-up to the second equaliser, admitted: 'It's not where we want it to be.
'It's every detail, every small detail matters. Our performance wasn't the best off the ball.
READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
MAN UTD 2 EVERTON 2 Amorim rues bizarre own goal but draw enough to win Summer Series
'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.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
'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.'
Man United quartet exiled as Amorim reshapes squad!
Asked about Fernandes' stinging comments, Amorim insisted: 'I'm happy for the players to have that feeling. It's saying that they understand the situation.
'So it's a good feeling. Tomorrow we are going to travel, have one day off and we return to Carrington to work.
A lot of people who had been working at the club for many many years had to go.
Fernandes
'The understanding is that in this club everything is ups and downs. We understand that, but I prefer that feeling than it to be the other way.'
He added: 'We struggled a little bit, so it's just that feeling of not performing like we're supposed to do. But it was OK.
'We struggled a little bit with longer balls, not just the second balls, but the first balls. We struggled in the build-up, but we created chances and that is really important to win any match.
'You can perform, I don't like to say bad, but we can struggle a little bit in the game. But if you create chances you can win even that kind of game.'
5
Fernandes wants to see more out of his teammates ahead of the new season
5
Ruben Amorim was left disappointed with his side's mistakes once again
Credit: Getty
The performance put Berrada's comments about the ongoing transfer market moves into context.
United are in an arm-wrestle with Newcastle for £70m Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Barrada said: 'We have a team back home led by Jason Wilcox, the recruitment team, that is working around the clock to ensure that we continue to find opportunities to strengthen our squad.
'There are lots of late calls and early morning meetings to make sure that we stay on top of it.
'The mood has been very good. The culture, the standards, the values, we are trying to ensure that we create a team spirit that allows the players to compete at the highest level.
'We have very high standards, Ruben is very clear about that and so is Jason. It is something we want to see with the players, with the staff, with everyone, because what we want to do is to win and to start winning titles as soon as possible.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool make ‘concrete offer' for Barcola, Son completes MLS switch, Everton target Grealish
IN AND OUT IN AND OUT Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool make 'concrete offer' for Barcola, Son completes MLS switch, Everton target Grealish CLUBS are splashing the cash this summer as they look to bolster their squads in the transfer window ahead of the new season! Liverpool are eyeing a mega deal for PSG star Bradley Barcola, as a move for Alexander Isak becomes more unlikely. In other news, Heung-min Son is set to complete a switch to MLS side LAFC. Jack Grealish has also emerged as a target for Everton, with the Toffees exploring a loan deal from Man City. Elsewhere, Darwin Nunez is set to have a medical with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN Follow ALL the latest news, moves and completed deals with our live blog below...
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Had to be a big boy' – Frank Lampard says he has no intention of swapping Coventry for TV studio despite play-off blow
Lampard worked as a TV pundit last season but prefers the trials and tribulations of managing Coventry frank admission 'Had to be a big boy' – Frank Lampard says he has no intention of swapping Coventry for TV studio despite play-off blow FRANK LAMPARD accepts he is a glutton for punishment. One of the Premier League's greatest ever stars has had to deal with more than his fair share of 'hurt' as a boss having been brutally sacked by both Chelsea and Everton. Advertisement 2 Frank Lampard was left devastated after a last minute Sunderland goal prevented his Coventry side making it to Wembley Credit: Getty 2 Lampard featured regularly as a pundit before joining Coventry Credit: Getty That followed his experience of suffering Wembley play-off final heartache when he was cutting his managerial teeth in charge of Derby. And if that wasn't enough to put him off the managerial lark, he watched on helplessly as Coventry were cruelly defeated in the play-off semi at Sunderland last May. But, no matter, the Coventry boss says he has no intention of swapping cold, wet Tuesday nights in Stoke for the comfort of the TV studio like fellow Prem icons. And nor does Lamps have any plans to work on his handicap on the golf course rather than patrolling the training ground like other ex-pros. Advertisement But, instead, he's relishing the challenge of leading the Sky Blues from the depths of despair to another tilt at Prem promotion. Lampard had to fight back the tears when Cov were dramatically denied a place in the Championship play-off final by Dan Ballard's dramatic last-gasp winner on Wearside in May. The cruel finale meant there was no fairytale ending for the Sky Blues who were 17th when Lampard took charge following Mark Robins' sacking. But, in an exclusive SunSport interview, Lampard, 47, has admitted he can't wait to give it another go. Advertisement BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 'Ex-players have their choices in terms of what they want to do with their lives,' Lampard told SunSport. 'They can play golf, they can go into punditry or they can just go into a different line of work. Emotional Frank Lampard struggles through Sky Sports interview after Coventry's gut-wrenching play-off defeat 'I was 38, 39 I was when I finished and there's still a long way to go in your life and management is my line of work. Advertisement 'And I have to admit I love doing what I do. I love working with the players. I love being on the training pitch. I love working with people. 'Everyone has their choices and I've made my choice and this is a challenging career but there's also a lot of pluses to it. 'I've pitted my wits against elite managers in the Champions League, managed at Chelsea, at Everton and at Derby and every single experience is valuable.' And, win or lose, there seems little chance that Chelsea legend Lampard, who won 11 major trophies in 13 years at Stamford Bridge, will not see things in perspective. Advertisement But surely he found it difficult to pick himself up after what happened at the Stadium of Light? 'Yes and no,' says Lampard with a smile. 'If you ask my wife, she'll say yes, but if you ask me, I've been there before. 'I've had what I think you can describe as a really good playing career and managerial career. 'But within that, there's ups and downs all the time and that comes with the football territory. Advertisement 'There are some things you can't quite control – like the Sunderland game in the end. 'But I've got a bit more balance about things like that at the moment even though they really hurt at the time. 'I had to be a big boy and make sure it didn't ruin my summer and it helps that I've developed a good work-life balance. 'I've got children who are all happy and healthy, so you just keep plugging away, sticking at it, giving it your best shot.' Advertisement And that will mean turning pain into gain at the CBS Arena after the agonising near-miss. 'It was turning into a special story - we were one step away from Wembley and playing really well, particularly in those playoff games,' he added. 'It ultimately came down to small details - chances you don't convert and a header that comes off a shoulder and goes in. 'There was deep disappointment but you get over that because it's football and you have no choice but to start again. Advertisement 'I spoke to lot of people over the summer. I met Coventry fans and neutrals and they all told me how well we'd done. 'That made me feel proud but my job is to understand that the hard work starts again.' Lampard added: 'We'd made all these strides and then when you miss out, you feel as manager of a club that you have a big responsibility in it. 'I still had a relatively good summer because I was with my family and had a break. Advertisement 'But there were things, I was thinking all the time. I'm just thinking how can we do better and how can we try and start the season better. 'I can't wait to get back to the competitive games. I'm raring to go.'
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd fans vow to ‘call first born child INEOS' if Ruben Amorim completes incredible transfer for Brighton star
Scroll down to read about Baleba's Ballon d'Or dream and how he has coped following family tragedy Bal games Man Utd fans vow to 'call first born child INEOS' if Ruben Amorim completes incredible transfer for Brighton star MANCHESTER UNITED fans have vowed to make some madcap life decisions if the club complete a stunning deal to sign Carlos Baleba. Reports suggest Red Devils transfer chiefs have made contact with Brighton over the possibility of signing the 21-year-old. Advertisement 9 Man Utd have made a contact over a potential bid for Carlos Baleba Credit: Getty 9 Baleba is one of the top youngsters in world football in his position Credit: AFP 9 The addition of a dynamic midfielder to Ruben Amorim's team would bring the team on leaps and bounds Credit: AFP 9 United fans have promised to make some major life decisions if the 21-year-old is signed Credit: Getty Baleba is seen as one of the brightest talents of his age group, and as reported by L'Equipe in France, United are currently in pole position to sign the midfielder amid a host of interested parties. In the CIES football observatory, Baleba is valued at up to £76million, though it is understood Brighton have no intention to sanction a sale for the rising star this summer, with Seagulls chief Paul Barber denying that an approach had been made at all. Barber said: "There is always going to be interest in our players. Manchester United have not been in touch with me, speculation is speculation. "Carlos is a fantastic talent and we hope he will be here for years to come. But it's subject to the dynamics of the football world, which is not always predictable." Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL 'Sell him at half time' Arsenal fans demand struggling star be AXED after shocking display Baleba's contract at the Amex Stadium runs until 2028 - while there is also an option to extend for a further year. United are on the hunt for a dynamic midfielder to go in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 pivot after unconvincing displays by Manuel Ugarte in pre-season, with his display against Everton coming in fro particular scrutiny. Baleba was one of the Premier League's top ranked midfielders last season for tackles, blocks, interceptions and recoveries, while his progressive carries and forward passing numbers were also impressive. And such is the fervour for United to sign Baleba - who exclusively told SunSport about his ambition to win the Ballon d'Or - that the thought of getting the deal over the line has seen some of the Red Devils faithful make some stunning promises. Advertisement BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK One excited fan declared: "If we sign Baleba then I'm calling my first born child INEOS." A second said: "Throw the f***ing bank at him. Incur a lifetime transfer ban. Pull every credit facility necessary. I can win the Ballon D'or says Brighton's Carlos Baleba "Include the new stadium naming rights in the deal. Do anything and everything in your power to sign Carlos Baleba." Advertisement A third said: "I swear, if we sign Baleba after signing Sesko, Mbeumo, and Cunha, then I'm driving down to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's house and kissing his feet while apologising for all the bad things I've said about INEOS." Another said: "Get Baleba and it's the best window since 2007." A fifth said: "Bro what the f*** were we gonna do if we got UCL???????" A sixth said: "Nah the way United fans manifested this Baleba [move] through pure faith and blind optimism We are massive man." Advertisement A seventh speculated: "[Kobbie] Mainoo-Baleba for the next decade genuinely sorts out the base of the team in every single facet in every single system/shape." 9 9 9 Advertisement These opinions come before a fan protest against Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, organised by The 1958, ahead of United's opening Premier League game against Arsenal on August 17. Baleba made his international debut for Cameroon last year and has played in seven games for the Indomitable Lions so far. And his high ambitions of winning football's ultimate individual prize is sure to go down well with Man Utd fans and transfer chiefs as they look to bring the club back to its former glory. He told SunSport in an exclusive interview: "Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they've all told me I've got it in me. I want to win the Ballon d'Or like Rodri. Advertisement "I watched him during the Euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he was right in front of me. 'It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult. He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class. 9 'His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d'Or someday... I can get to the very top of world football. Advertisement 'But I need to stay focused, stay calm, not rush, and not let what people write get in my head. If I keep working hard, I can be like Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, I just need to stay grounded." Baleba's journey to football stardom is nothing short of remarkable. He tragically lost his mother three years ago just as he got his breakthrough European move to French side Lille. But he explained the pain of his loss drives him forwards to be the best version of himself. Baleba continued: "It was very difficult for me because I didn't see my mum. I wanted her next to me, but when I signed for Brighton, she wasn't here. Advertisement 'That's why the first season was really hard. I thought about her a lot. But I vowed that I would be the best version of myself and go as far as I can in my career." His English is still a work in progress, but he's proud of the steps he has taken to settle in, even if the British weather isn't always his cup of tea. He added: "I love it here, to be honest. My favourite English food is the English breakfast, if I'm allowed to say that! But the weather is the only issue, it changes all the time." 9 Advertisement TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
