Manchester United Clinch Premier League Summer Series Title After 2-2 Draw Against Everton
Bruno Fernandes netted a goal and provided an assist as Manchester United played out a 2-2 draw with Everton to secure the Premier League Summer Series title.
Bruno Fernandes found the back of the net and also assisted once as Manchester United drew 2-2 with Everton on Sunday, thereby claiming the Premier League Summer Series title. The Red Devils earned a vital point in Atlanta to finish on top of the table with seven points in the pre-season friendly tournament, having earlier registered wins against West Ham (2-1) and Bournemouth (4-1) in the round-robin tour in the United States.
“It’s getting better,” Fernandes said to Sky Sports following the match. “I think the club is doing everything they can.
“We required more competition for the existing players. We needed more quality so that everyone pushes themselves harder to earn a place in the starting eleven. I think that’s exactly what the club and the manager are trying to achieve, and hopefully, we can bring in one or two more players to help with that.”
Manchester United had ended last season in 15th place in the Premier League — their worst performance since the 1973-74 relegation season — managing only 11 wins and nine draws from 38 games.
“I think many people have been hurt by this,” Fernandes said. “The fans are paying more for tickets and we genuinely appreciate the effort they put in for us.
“So now it’s up to us, the players, to give it back through our performances on the pitch.”
Fernandes mentioned that the club is aiming for improvement across the board — be it players, staff, or infrastructure.
“Every tiny detail matters,” he said. “At a club of this stature, there’s no room for mistakes — whether on or off the pitch — because it holds global significance.
“The tradition of this club has always been to win. That identity was there — and we have to restore it.”
Everton’s James Tarkowski brought down Amad Diallo inside the penalty box, and Fernandes converted the spot-kick powerfully to give United a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute.
French-born Senegalese international Iliman Ndiaye equalised for Everton in the 40th minute, finishing off a pass from fellow Senegalese player Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Mason Mount, who had come on just ten minutes earlier, collected a pass from Fernandes and curled in a shot past Jordan Pickford in the 69th minute to restore United’s lead.
But Everton struck back in the 75th minute, when a ball deflected off Manchester United’s Ayden Heaven — after Diallo tried to play it back — resulting in an own goal.
United manager Ruben Amorim fielded newcomer Bryan Mbeumo in the starting XI, with the former Brentford forward making his first appearance after finishing pre-season training.
Earlier, Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen were on the scoresheet as West Ham United beat Bournemouth 2-0, securing their second win in three matches of the Premier League Summer Series.
Both goals were the result of precise deliveries from Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, who was signed only on July 15.
“Both goals were all down to him — his quality is clear to see,” Bowen said about Diouf. “He’s only been with us for a few weeks, but it feels like he’s been part of the squad for years.
“He’s humble, he fits into the group perfectly, and he’s clearly a top-quality footballer too. We’re genuinely excited to see what more he can bring.”
Diouf’s cross found Bowen inside the box, who unselfishly slid it across to his German teammate Fullkrug, who slotted home from close range in the 24th minute.
Bowen then scored himself in the 67th minute, again off a Diouf assist.
Bournemouth had several opportunities in the first 15 minutes, but the Cherries were unlucky — hitting the woodwork and missing early chances.
“What I liked was the fighting spirit of the team. We didn’t start the way we wanted, but we hung in there,” Bowen remarked.
