Manchester United brought their pre-season tour of the United States to an end with a stalemate against a competitive and feisty Everton at Mercedes Benz Stadium after registering a 2-2 draw, but it was enough to see them clinch the Premier League Summer Series trophy.
Softfootball reports that the Red Devils earned a final point in Atlanta to top the table with seven in the pre-season friendly tournament, having previously beaten West Ham 2-1 and Bournemouth 4-1 in the round-robin US tour.
Bruno Fernandes, with a penalty, and Mason Mount got the goals for United. Everton’s first equaliser came from Iliman Ndiaye before a late and fortuitous Ayden Heaven own goal earned a draw.
Watch the match highlights as seen on Manchester United Youtube page below:
Amorim handed a debut to Bryan Mbeumo who played the first 45 minutes in a front three which also included fellow new signing Matheus Cunha. The Cameroonian international had an encouraging debut, linking up well with Cunha and Fernandes with some slick passing moves.
Though he failed to mark his first game with a goal as he fired straight at Jordan Pickford after the England No. 1 had spilled a shot from Fernandes into the new man’s path.
Cunha on the other hand sparkled in the first half and should have given United an early lead but he toe poked the ball wide, albeit from a tight angle, when he faced down Pickford.
The Brazilian has only been at the club for a couple of weeks but he already has a strong understanding with Fernandes and with Amad, who he kept releasing down the right flank.
Speaking after the game as seen on Man United official website, Amorim revealed that he was impressed with Mbeumo’s debut, stating that the Cameroonian international was going to be an important part of their squad.
While the gaffer says the 25-year-old needs time to build his physicality and develop relationships with new team-mates, he is enthusiastic about his potential. Amorim said:
“I think he played well.
“Of course, he needs to improve in a lot of things”
“You can feel the physicality of Bryan is not perfect, that is normal, but the first touch, the way he turns and connects to the other guys, the runs that he made, it is really important.
“And he is going to be really important to our team.”
Though not a major trophy, the win in the United States will boost Manchester United’s morale after a lacklustre season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League last season.
