Manchester United drew 2-2 with Everton in their final pre-season fixture in the USA, with just one more game before the season opener against Arsenal
Rúben Amorim’s side impressed during their tour of the USA, as they won the Premier League Summer Series, despite drawing their final fixture 2-2 against Everton. A cagey affair went down to the wire, as Bryan Mbeumo finally made his debut for Manchester United.
United started the game well, as Bruno Fernandes gave the Red Devils the lead from the penalty spot after James Tarkowski brought down Amad on the central defender’s return from injury. However, Illiman Ndiaye pulled a goal back for Everton after Manuel Ugarte was dispossessed on the edge of United’s penalty area. Idrissa Gueye played the ball to the back post, and Ndiaye finished past Altay Bayindir with a composed finish.
After four changes from both sides, Mason Mount restored United’s lead with a curled effort from the left side of the penalty area. The former Chelsea midfielder received the ball from a deft Fernandes flick before taking a sublime first touch, giving himself the perfect opportunity to convert.
David Moyes’ side replied just six minutes later as Everton capitalised on a scuffle in the middle of the pitch between Ndiaye and Fernandes. Amad worked back to win back possession, but his clearance deflected off Ayden Heaven to draw the scores level.
Amorim will look to take the positives from the other two USA fixtures against West Ham and Bournemouth into United’s last pre-season game against David de Gea’s Fiorentina, before the Red Devils begin their Premier League campaign at home to Arsenal, but the need for more new additions has become clear.
Fernandes issues transfer plea
Speaking to the media after United’s draw against Everton, Fernandes spoke on the need for more transfers before the window closes.
“I don’t want to take a dig at anyone,” said the United captain. “I think that the club is doing the best that they can, in terms obviously of all the financial situation that they talk about, I don’t know about it.”
“It was crystal clear that 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 eleven.”
“I think that’s what the club is trying to do, the manager [Amorim], and hopefully we can get one or two players more to help with that.”
Fernandes could be alluding to the Benjamin Sesko transfer saga, especially after the Everton game, where Matheus Cunha played as a central striker, despite impressing from attacking midfield against Leeds and West Ham.
The Sesko story continues for now
While United have held talks with Sesko’s representatives, a deal for the Slovenian striker doesn’t look like it will conclude anytime soon, despite serious interest from Newcastle United.
Perhaps, Jason Wilcox and the transfer team need to move on some of United’s “Bomb Squad” that were left out of Amorim’s pre-season tour, before making a move for the RB Leipzig centre forward.
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Alejandro Garnacho will be the most profitable asset on the for-sale list, but a move away doesn’t appear to be close for the Argentine, despite the public fallout between him and the manager after the Europa League final.
Other players on the list include Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho – all three seem destined for a move away from Old Trafford, but time is running out before the start of the season. Marcus Rashford was also a member of the so-called “Bomb Squad” but has already secured a loan to Barcelona.
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