Manchester United rounded off their pre-season tour of the United States with a 2–2 draw against Everton on Sunday, enough to clinch the Premier League Summer Series title.
The Red Devils had earlier seen off West Ham and Bournemouth, and finished top of the round-robin tournament with seven points.
Bruno Fernandes led the charge in Atlanta, scoring from the spot and assisting Mason Mount for United’s second goal.
“It’s improving,” Fernandes told Sky Sports. “I think the club is doing the best that they can. We needed more competition. We needed more quality. That’s what the club and the manager are working on.”
United took the lead after Amad Diallo was fouled in the box. Fernandes stepped up and converted with precision. Everton replied through Iliman Ndiaye, who tapped in from close range following a well-placed pass from Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Fernandes then turned provider in the second half, setting up Mount to curl in a superb second. But United’s lead didn’t last long. A deflected own goal from Ayden Heaven brought Everton level again.
Despite the draw, United had done enough to lift the Summer Series trophy.
Fernandes acknowledged last season’s poor domestic form and stressed the team’s responsibility going forward.
“I think a lot of people have suffered from this,” he said. “The fans pay more for tickets. We appreciate their effort. It’s up to us now to repay that on the pitch.”
He also pointed to wider improvements behind the scenes.
“It’s every detail. Every small thing matters. This club is global. You can’t afford mistakes on or off the pitch. The culture was built on winning. We have to bring that back.”
Elsewhere, West Ham claimed a 2–0 win over Bournemouth with standout performances from new signing El Hadji Malick Diouf. The Senegalese left-back set up both goals with two pinpoint assists.
“Both goals are down to him,” said Jarrod Bowen. “The quality he’s got, it’s clear. He’s only just joined but fits like he’s been here for years. He’s humble and he’s a great lad.”
Diouf first fed Bowen in the box, who laid it off for Niclas Fullkrug to score from close range. Later, Bowen finished off another move started by Diouf to seal the result.
Bournemouth had chances early on, striking the post twice in the first 15 minutes, but couldn’t convert.
“What I liked was the character in the group,” Bowen added. “It wasn’t the best start, but we stayed focused.”
Manchester United now return to England ahead of the new Premier League season, hoping to build on the momentum from their US tour. The club will be under pressure to bounce back after a dismal 15th-place finish last season, their lowest in over 50 years.
