Manchester United are hoping for a fresh start to the season this year, after a disappointing 2024-2025 campaign. And up to now, everything is going quite positively in the pre-season.
Coach Ruben Amorim took his students to the US for his summer tour. Up to this point, they have not lost any matches in the pre-season.
However, what the Portuguese coach is most concerned about is still the team's fitness and the ability to adapt to the tactics he is building.
The Red Devils have completed two big signings with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both of whom featured in the recent 2-2 draw with Everton. However, this result shows that Amorim still has a lot of work to do to find the most effective way to use his expensive new players.
The draw against Everton was perhaps United's worst performance of the pre-season. However, Amorim's side have shown some positive signs compared to last season. They have one last friendly match with Fiorentina before entering the opening Premier League match against Arsenal.
At the moment, what Man United need from their captain is frankness and honesty. And that is exactly what Bruno Fernandes has shown.
The Portuguese star was once at risk of leaving when receiving attention from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal club. And the "Red Devils" fans will certainly be grateful that he decided to stay. Bruno Fernandes is the type of player that Man United need to regain the class they crave.
Even after a friendly match, Fernandes was still unhappy with the performance of the whole team. He frankly criticized his teammates for their "lazy" attitude throughout the match, even though Man United still won the Premier League Summer Series 2025.
In the draw with Everton, Man United lost the lead twice despite Fernandes opening the scoring from the penalty spot, before Mason Mount helped the team take the lead in the second half. However, goals from Iliman Ndiaye and Ayden Heaven helped the Merseyside team equalize.
"Everything is improving, but it's not yet reached the level we expected. It's football, there's always passion and things happen normally. There's nothing special, everything is part of the game.
The tour in the US is very positive, helping us build cohesion in the team. Today, it seems like we are a bit lazy and need to change that" - the Portuguese player said.
Fernandes' frank and bold sharing will be an important motivation for Man United in the 2025-2026 season. If they want to go far and develop sustainably, there will be no place for laziness at Old Trafford.
