Bruno Fernandes played a starring role on Sunday night as Manchester United drew 2-2 with Everton in Atlanta, a result that sealed the Premier League Summer Series title for the Red Devils. The Portuguese midfielder scored from the penalty spot and later provided an assist, ensuring United topped the pre-season tournament table with seven points.
United had already beaten West Ham 2-1 and Bournemouth 4-1 in earlier matches of the round-robin tour across the United States. The draw against Everton was enough to confirm their place at the summit, a small but meaningful step for a club coming off one of the most difficult seasons in its history.
“It’s improving,” Fernandes told Sky Sports after the final whistle. “I think the club is doing the best that they can. We needed more competition for the players that were here. We needed more quality to get everyone to step up a little bit more, to have more to do to get into the first 11. I think that’s what the club is trying to do, the manager, and hopefully we can get one or two players more to help with that.”
The comments carry weight, given the disappointment of last season, where Manchester United finished a shocking 15th in the Premier League. With just 11 wins from 38 matches, it was their lowest finish since relegation in 1973-74.
“I think a lot of people have suffered from this,” Fernandes said. “The fans pay more for the tickets, and we really appreciate all the efforts they do for us. So it’s up to us, now players, to repay it on the pitch.”
Against Everton, Fernandes opened the scoring in the 19th minute from the spot after James Tarkowski fouled Amad Diallo in the box. The Toffees responded when Iliman Ndiaye converted a close-range effort in the 40th minute, finishing off Idrissa Gana Gueye’s pass.
United regained the lead in the 69th minute when substitute Mason Mount, just 10 minutes into his appearance, curled home after a neat assist from Fernandes. But Everton found a way back once more, benefitting from an unfortunate own goal in the 75th minute as a deflection off Ayden Heaven beat United’s keeper.
Manager Ruben Amorim also handed a first start to new signing Bryan Mbeumo, who recently joined from Brentford, adding depth to the squad ahead of the new campaign.
Reflecting on the bigger picture, Fernandes emphasized that Manchester United’s revival must be comprehensive: “It’s every detail. Every small thing matters. At this football club, you can’t do anything wrong on the pitch and off the pitch because it’s too big worldwide. The culture of this club was winning. It was there. And we need to bring back that.”
United’s US tour may have ended in a draw, but for Fernandes and his teammates, lifting the Summer Series trophy was a sign of much-needed progress.
