Manchester United Captain Slams “Lazy” Performance

Manchester United’s preseason preparations hit turbulence as captain Bruno Fernandes issued a frank assessment of his team’s latest showing—a 2-2 draw against Everton. Speaking after the match, Fernandes did not mince words, describing United’s display as “lazy” and warning that such lapses could cost the club as the new season approaches.

“Our performance wasn’t the best off the ball, we were a little bit lazy, and we have to avoid that because the laziness you can pay at any moment,” Fernandes said. The Portuguese midfielder, who inherited the armband last season, stressed the urgency for improvement and called on the club to act decisively in the transfer market. “We need more reinforcements before the window closes if we want to compete at the highest level,” he added.

Fernandes’s comments echo a sense of frustration that has lingered since United’s disappointing 2024-25 Premier League campaign, where they finished in a lowly 15th place. The latest preseason result, coming on the heels of widespread criticism from fans and pundits, appears to have galvanized the United captain to speak out.

Manager Ruben Amorim, installed at the helm late last year, wasted no time aligning himself with his captain. Rather than deflecting the criticism, Amorim welcomed it, suggesting it reflects healthy standards within the squad. “I think I’m happy for the players to have that feeling. It’s saying that they understand the situation. So, it’s a good feeling… We are going with the feeling that we need to do a lot of things [better],” Amorim said.

The United manager acknowledged the need for further player additions before the transfer deadline but underscored the importance of internal growth. “We have to be better, with or without new signings,” he noted.

The draw against Everton—and the candor from both captain and manager—underscores the prevailing sense that all is not well at Old Trafford as the new campaign looms. With little time before the start of the season, all eyes will be on United’s response, both in the transfer market and on the field.

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