The Manchester United captain dismissed suggestions of any ill-feeling following his clash with the Blues winger
Iliman Ndiaye and Jake O'Brien argue with Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu and Mason Mount during the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by AJ Reynolds/Getty Images
Iliman Ndiaye and Jake O'Brien argue with Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu and Mason Mount during the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by AJ Reynolds/Getty Images
Bruno Fernandes played down a second half spat with Iliman Ndiaye as simply being “part of the game”. He left the Everton winger furious with a wild swipe at his legs after Ndiaye was about to skip clear of the Manchester United captain on the halfway line.
His cynical attempt to bring down the Senegal international led to a confrontation that unfolded even as the Blues proceeded down the pitch to grab their second equaliser of the match.
Both players received bookings for their role in the fracas, which led to Jake O’Brien, Mason Mount and Patrick Dorgu all getting involved. Ndiaye had danced past Fernandes as he looked to carry Everton forward with his side trailing 2-1. Fernandes’ efforts neither brought down the 25-year-old nor stopped the attack that ultimately concluded with Ayden Heaven’s unfortunate own goal.
But they did lead to the bizarre sight of a confrontation taking place just as havoc was being wreaked in the Man Utd box as Tyler Onyango’s cross was met by the recovering Amad, who stole the ball from Dwight McNeil only to kick it against Heaven and for it to then bobble past goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
As Everton celebrated, referee Thomas Bramall had words with both players before handing out yellow cards to each of them.
After the match, Fernandes was asked about the “spice” between the teams as they fought out the final game of the Premier League Summer Series in Atlanta, Georgia.
He responded: "It is a game of football, there is always passion there. Whatever happens, happens. It is part of the game. I think there was nothing spicy there, it was just a moment between me and one of their players but all said, everyone wants to win... it is normal, it is part of the game.”