Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has given his honest verdict on Bruno Fernandes’ scathing “lazy” comment about the team.
Fernandes brands United “lazy” after Everton draw
United were crowned winners of the Premier League Summer Series following their 2-2 draw with Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Red Devils were pegged back twice, missing out on the chance to make it three wins our of three after wins over West Ham United in New Jersey and Bournemouth in Chicago.
United’s goals were scored by Fernandes and substitute Mason Mount. Everton’s first equaliser was clinched by Iliman Ndiaye before a late and fortuitous own goal by Amad ensured both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.
There were a few positives to take from the game, but United’s inability to maintain control throughout allowed Everton to grow in confidence and eventually make them pay.
After the final whistle, Fernandes spoke to the media and labelled parts of the team’s performance as “lazy.”
Amorim was asked about this and threw his weight behind the skipper, insisting that it’s a sign that the players are aware they must continue to improve.
Amorim’s remarks
Amorim said about the match [as quoted by Manchester Evening News], “I think we struggled today a little bit. So it’s just that, the feeling of not performing like we’re supposed to do, but it was okay.”
“I think it has to do with the long balls and then second balls, but sometimes even with different players you struggle. You see all the games from Everton, even different midfielders suffer with this kind of game.”
“They break the team with two centre backs changing possession and then they kick the ball and then the second ball. We struggle a little bit with that, not just the second balls, but the first balls. We struggle in the build-up, but we create chances and that is really important to win any match.”
“You can perform, I don’t like to say bad, but we can struggle a little bit in the game, but if you create chances you can win even that kind of game.”
The Portuguese coach continued, “If you play well, they will say that we play really well, something on the opposite side. It’s the same thing, so we need to be really consistent. We already knew that we had two weeks, this will not change in two weeks, but we are better.”
“Even in this game we create chances and that is really important. But of course, I think it’s the perfect feeling to go back to Carrington. I think the momentum of the tour was perfect. So we had the weeks to work with a good environment, good feeling, and then we go back to Carrington and we are near to start the season. We are going with the feeling that we need to do a lot of things.”
Amorim issues response to Fernandes’ comment
On Fernandes’ “lazy” claim, Amorim noted, “I think I’m happy for the players to have that feeling.”
“It’s saying that they understand the situation. So it’s a good feeling. So tomorrow we are going to travel, one day off and we return to Carrington to work.”
“Understanding that in this club everything is ups and downs. We understand that, but I prefer that feeling than the other side.”
United are back in action on Sunday when they host Fiorentina at Old Trafford for their final pre-season meeting ahead of the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Featured image Patrick McDermott via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
