Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes argued there were things that needed improving after a pre-season draw against Everton, using the word ‘lazy’ in his assessment
Bruno Fernandes has made clear his frustrations with Manchester United during their pre-season tour but not everyone has borne the brunt of the captain’s criticism. Fernandes scored in a pre-season meeting with Everton, but United’s issues were laid bare as David Moyes’ side earned a 2-2 draw.
United’s skipped argued United were “lazy” during the draw in the United States, as an Ayden Heaven own goal ensured the spoils were shared. Fernandes’ fellow scorer Mason Mount is still in his team-mate’s good books, though, with the captain sharing a photo of the pair on Instagram with the simple caption: “my guy”.
“It’s improving, but it’s not where we want it to be,” Fernandes said after the game against Everton. “It’s a game of football, there’s always passion there. Whatever happens, happens. There was nothing spicy there, it’s normal, it is part of the game.
“It’s been positive [the US tour] and it’s good to create a bond with the players. We looked a bit lazy today and we need to change that,” he added, suggesting a couple more new signings are still needed.
“I don’t want to have a dig at anyone, but I think the club is doing the best they can in terms of all the financial situations they talk about. I don’t know about it, I’m not involved in that. But obviously it was crystal clear we needed more competition for the players that were here.”
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The praise for Mount comes ahead of what could be a pivotal season for the England international. Since joining from Chelsea in 2023, he has struggled with a number of injury setbacks but showed towards the end of last season why United were willing to pay big money for him.
In two seasons as a United player, Mount has played less than 2,000 competitive minutes. He’s till just 26, though, and has time to turn his Old Trafford career around.
Speaking during United’s pre-season tour, Mount outlined the ways in which United are aiming to put last season’s struggles behind them. Amorim’s side ended last term in 15th place, missing out on Europe for the first time in more than a decade.
“From day one of pre-season, it’s about standards and details within training, on and off the pitch, and really focusing on what we need to do to be better and to perform better,” the midfielder said. “We haven’t done loads of analysis of last season. We looked at a few areas that we can improve on, but this is a new season, it’s like wiping the slate clean.
“Coming into this season with a different kind of attitude and a feeling about it and we’re ready to go. The vibe around the group is very energetic. In training, it’s been a few kicks here and there, because we want to win in games. That’s what you want as a group. You kick your mate, but after training, it’s all good.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
