Manchester United concluded the Premier League Summer Series as winners after a 2-2 draw with Everton – and skipper Bruno Fernandes has been slammed by supporters after his ugly scuffle with Iliman Ndiaye as the Toffees scored their second.
The Portuguese talisman stepped up to the spot kick in the 19th minute before Ndiaye finished off his side’s well-worked goal five minutes shy of the half-time interval. Mason Mount regained the Red Devils’ lead before Ayden Heaven scored an own goal.
Although it wasn’t costly, Ruben Amorim’s men failed to win for the first time on their pre-season tour of the United States – and despite Fernandes being a rare shining light for the club, his eyebrow-raising behaviour has been spotted by fans.
Manchester United - Premier League Summer Series
Date
27/07
31/07
03/08
Fernandes Slammed for Ugly Clash with Ndiaye vs Everton
‘Great player but terrible sportsman’
Earlier this summer, the ex-Sporting CP marksman had emerged as Al-Hilal’s primary target. The 30-year-old was keenly admired by the Saudi Pro League outfit, who were willing to part ways with as much as £100 million for the Portuguese star's signature.
Fernandes – widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in world football – remained at Old Trafford, and it’s been reported that he will do for another season at least. However, his recent petulance against Everton has raised the eyebrows of many.
bruno fernandes
In the 75th minute, as £17 million-worth Ndiaye rushed down on goal on a counterattack, Fernandes attempted to hack him down on the half-way line. Play continued on the right-hand side as midfielder Tim Iroegbunam was found with a pass – and after a catalogue of errors, the ball ricocheted off Heaven’s leg and past Altay.
All the while, however, Fernandes and Ndiaye – who was understandably incensed by the careless lunge – were still exchanging words on the half-way line. Tempers spilled over, the two players exchanged shoves and teammates of both were forced to intervene.
Watch Fernandes and Ndiaye's half-way line clash below:
Goalscorer Mount, seemingly grabbed around the neck by Ndiaye, was among those to stand between the pair. But, ultimately, the lapse in concentration allowed Everton to pounce and take advantage of Fernandes being managed out of the game.
Fans are not overly pleased with the seasoned captain’s behaviour. One said, “Bruno Fernandes intentionally trying to injure Iliman Ndiaye in a pre-season friendly is exactly why he isn’t rated as much as he should be. Great player but terrible sportsman.”
“Horrid little rat Fernandes. Ndiaye has every right to turn round and have a go. It’s a pre-season game ffs, no need for that,” another wrote before a third fan added, “Disgusting from Fernandes this, even more so in a friendly.”
Following his side’s 2-2 draw with Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Fernandes described Manchester United as ‘lazy’, all while imploring the decision-makers to sign more players as a means of enhancing competition for places in 2025/26.
“It’s been positive (the U.S tour) and it’s good to create a bond with the players. We looked a bit lazy, and we need to change that. 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,” the Portugal and Manchester United midfielder told Sky Sports in his post-match interview, per The Athletic. “But obviously it was crystal clear we needed more competition for the players that were here.”