Manchester United played out a 2-2 draw versus Everton in the Premier League Summer Series on Sunday.
The Red Devils won the tournament after victories over West Ham United and Bournemouth, but there is room for improvement.
United captain Bruno Fernandes was critical about the players after the game and said that there was ‘laziness’ against Everton.
He said: “We didn’t want to finish in this way. Our performance wasn’t the best and we were a little bit lazy today. We want to avoid that because with laziness you can pay at any moment.”
The Portugal international added that the club need more competition for places and hopefully, there will be one or two more signings.
He added: “It’s improving But it’s not the place it needs to be. I don’t want to take a dig at anyone but the club is doing the best they can in terms of the financial situation they talk about.
“But it was crystal clear we needed more competition for the players that were here, more quality to get everyone to step up a little more to get to the XI, and I think that is what the club are trying to do.”Hopefully we can get one or two players more to help with that.”
Amidst this, O Jogo (page 22) claim that Fernandes has turned down a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, who made a tentative approach for his services this month.
He had the opportunity to reunite with compatriots Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Jorge Jesus (former Sporting CP manager) but remains uncompromising on his decision.
Fernandes will continue to lead the ‘new version’ of United on the field.
Fernandes set to stay at Man Utd next season
The 30-year-old had a mixed start to the previous campaign, but had a bright finish. The £44 million-rated star ended up with 19 goals and 19 assists in all competitions for the Mancunian giants.
Without him, United could have been battling relegation in the Premier League. Fernandes was a big catalyst behind the club’s run to the Europa League final where they lost to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Portuguese could have easily accepted a big payday in Saudi Arabia after the campaign, but he turned down a big-money move to Al-Hilal early into the summer transfer window.
Al-Nassr recently came up with an approach of their own, but the club captain remains committed and won’t entertain a departure from Old Trafford for the upcoming league season.
Fernandes could be tempted by the move in the long run, but he is set to stay at United next term.