Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes did not hold back in his assessment of the team's performance following a 2-2 draw against Everton in their pre-season match in Atlanta on August 3, 2025. Fernandes used the word "lazy" to describe the Red Devils' efforts against Everton.

The draw against Everton put a damper on Manchester United's Premier League Summer Series tour in the United States, despite previous victories against West Ham United and Bournemouth. Manchester United finished the 2024-25 Premier League season in 15th place, which was the worst in club history.

Speaking to NBC Sports at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Fernandes stated, "It's been important for developing how we want to play and getting the new players involved too,". He added, "We didn't want to finish in this way. Our performance wasn't the best and we were a little bit lazy today". Fernandes emphasized the need to avoid laziness, "because with laziness you can pay at any moment".

The game itself was eventful. Fernandes opened the scoring with a penalty in the 19th minute after James Tarkowski fouled Amad Diallo. Iliman Ndiaye equalized for Everton before halftime. Mason Mount then scored in the 69th minute, putting United ahead again. However, Everton equalized again in the 75th minute when Amad Diallo's attempted clearance resulted in an own goal off Ayden Heaven.

Fernandes also addressed the need for squad strengthening. "It's improving. But it's not the place it needs to be," Fernandes said. "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,". He added, "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". Fernandes hopes the club can bring in "one or two players more to help with that". New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both started against Everton. Mbeumo's debut was highly anticipated.

When asked about Fernandes's comments, manager Ruben Amorim said he was happy the players felt that way because it shows they understand the situation.

Despite the draw, Manchester United won the Premier League Summer Series trophy. The team's next match is August 17 against Arsenal, which will be the start of the new Premier League season.