Club captain calls on recruitment team to make more signings this summer
Bruno Fernandes has slammed the Manchester United squad for what he described as a “lazy” performance against Everton on Sunday.
United drew 2-2 in their final pre-season friendly in the United States following a hot and cold display.
Speaking after the match in Atlanta, the club captain didn’t hold back in his assessment of his own as well as his teammates’ performance, admitting that United lacked intensity and focus, particularly in the second half.
“Our performance wasn’t the best and we were a little bit lazy today,” said Fernandes. “We want to avoid that because with laziness you can pay at any moment.
“It’s improving, but it’s not the place it needs to be.”
United took the lead twice through goals from Fernandes and Mason Mount, but Everton levelled each time through Iliman Ndiaye’s brilliant equaliser and a late own goal after a bizarre mix-up between Amad Diallo and young defender Ayden Heaven.
The result comes after back-to-back wins over West Ham and Bournemouth on the club’s Stateside tour, but Fernandes said the team still lack the level needed to compete at the top end of the Premier League.
United endured a dismal 2024-25 campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League and failing to qualify for Europe. This summer, they have added Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to their attack, but there are still noticeable weaknesses, especially in midfield.
Fernandes said: “I don’t want to take a dig at anyone, the club is doing the best they can in terms of the financial situation they talk about.
“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.”
United CEO Omar Berrada said before the game against Everton that the recruitment team are working “around the clock” to make more additions to the squad before the window closes.
“We have to do a lot of multitasking,” Berrada 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.”
