Ruben Amorim made his feelings clear on three Manchester United players alongside Manuel Ugarte after the Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw against Everton.
Manuel Ugarte started the match in the midfield pivot alongside Kobbie Mainoo against Everton in Ruben Amorim’s tactical system for Manchester United.
The 24-year-old Uruguayan defensive midfielder underwhelmed with his display on Sunday evening and was hooked off in the second half of the match in Atlanta.
Ruben Amorim withdrew Ugarte from the midfield and brought on Rasmus Hojlund after the Red Devils went 2-1 up against Everton thanks to substitute Mason Mount.
United’s encounter with Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia was the Red Devils’ third and final match of their pre-season tour of the United States.
Everton clinched a draw against United on the night, but the Red Devils came out on top and won the Premier League Summer Series after their three matches in the US.
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Diogo Dalot talks to Amad Diallo during the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on in 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Todd Kirkland – Premier League/Getty Images
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Ruben Amorim singles out Manuel Ugarte during a key moment in Man Utd’s pre-season friendly match against Everton
Manchester United led Everton in the opening 20 minutes after Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot, following Amad Diallo being brought down in a challenge.
But David Moyes’ men reduced the deficit going into half-time after Iliman Ndiaye fired a close-range equaliser past a helpless Altay Bayindir in the 40th minute.
Manuel Ugarte was dispossessed after charging out of the United box with the ball and Idrissa Gueye was able to cross the ball into the path of Iliman Ndiaye.
Speaking at half-time in Atlanta, Amorim was critical of Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt after switching off at the back ahead of Ugarte losing the ball.
“When Ugarte has the ball, you can see the defence walking towards the box,” he told Sky Sports, as per the Metro.
“We need to sprint. When Ugarte loses the ball, we need to be at least on the edge of the box. These small details we need to improve.”
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Ruben Amorim rightfully holds his Man Utd backline accountable after Bruno Fernandes’ opener vs Everton was cancelled out
United looked confident and comfortable against Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium after taking the lead and ahead of entering the locker room at half-time.
But the Red Devils’ hard work was undone five minutes before the break after the sloppy approach of Ugarte and a United backline that was asleep amid the danger.
What a bizarre goal! 👀
Bruno Fernandes & Iliman Ndiaye clash on the halfway line before a scruffy goal draws Everton level… pic.twitter.com/lfrbT1UkN3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 3, 2025
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United climbed back into the lead in the second half against Everton after Mason Mount’s impact, but the Red Devils’ advantage on the night was short-lived.
Amad Diallo would fire the ball off of United teammate Ayden Heaven and the deflection would beat Altay Bayindir to hand Everton a vital second-half equaliser.