Manchester United couldn’t make it three wins from three on the USA tour as they drew 2-2 against Everton in a feisty game.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring in a game where Bryan Mbeumo made his Man Utd debut, and Ruben Amorim’s men were caught out by Everton.
After the high of the Bournemouth game, this was a reminder of the work that needs to be done on the squad and how the building blocks need to be put into place.
Fernandes used the post-match media duties to send Ineos a clear transfer demand, clearly using his status to push them into action.
Photo by Todd Kirkland – Premier League/Getty ImagesBruno Fernandes sends Ineos his transfer demands
Ever since Fernandes rejected Al-Hilal’s approach with a hidden transfer message, he has been on a mission to keep the standards high at Old Trafford.
Whether that is to do with the players or the decision-makers above him, he feels empowered to call them out due to his increased status.
After the 2-2 draw against Everton which brought into focus United’s two weaknesses – lack of athleticism in midfield and the absence of a reliable striker, Fernandes played his hand again.
When asked if he was happy with the team’s status, Fernandes made no effort to hide the fact that he would like to see some more transfer business.
He said: “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 bit more, 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.”
Fernandes echoes fans’ thoughts
Man Utd fans will thank Fernandes because he has just echoed what most feel about this Man Utd squad, as currently constructed.
Internal improvement from players already at the club is necessary, but there are three gaping holes in the team.
United’s goalkeeping situation doesn’t have clarity; the defensive midfield options are either too technical, lacking athleticism, or too athletic, lacking ball progression.
Then there’s the obvious hole at the striker position, where Benjamin Sesko is the priority target and Rasmus Hojlund has been made available for sale.
In an ideal world, all three gaps should be filled by the end of the window, but as Fernandes concedes, a club in United’s financial situation needs to prioritise.
Even still, at least two of three positions need addressing for the club to take the leap it is looking capable of taking under Amorim.
Fernandes has played his cards publicly. Ineos need to respond.