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| Manchester United's forward #16 Amad Diallo (C) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League Summer Series football match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on July 30, 2025 |
Firstsitenews-Manchester United wrapped up their pre-season campaign in the United States with a 2-2 draw against Everton on Sunday, a result that secured them the Premier League Summer Series title. Captain Bruno Fernandes led by example, scoring once and assisting another in the hard-fought encounter at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The draw pushed United to the top of the Summer Series table with seven points, having earlier claimed victories over West Ham (2-1) and Bournemouth (4-1) in the round-robin tournament.
“It’s getting better,” Fernandes told Sky Sports after the match. “The club is working hard. We needed more competition, more quality in the squad. That pushes everyone to fight harder for their place. I believe the manager is still trying to bring in one or two more players to help elevate the team.”
Manchester United are looking to bounce back from a disastrous 2023/24 season where they finished 15th their lowest league position since being relegated in 1973–74. Fernandes acknowledged the pain fans endured and stressed that it’s now up to the players to deliver.
“The fans go above and beyond for us. We must repay that on the pitch,” he added.
Fernandes emphasized the club’s commitment to rebuilding, from team quality to behind-the-scenes improvements.
“Every detail matters. At a club of this magnitude, nothing can be taken for granted on or off the pitch,” he said. “Manchester United was built on a culture of winning. We have to bring that back.”
In Sunday’s clash, Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 19th minute after Everton’s James Tarkowski fouled Amad Diallo. Everton responded through Iliman Ndiaye in the 40th minute, slotting in from close range off an Idrissa Gana Gueye assist.
Mason Mount made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, curling home a Fernandes pass in the 69th minute to give United a 2-1 lead. But a 75th-minute own goal by Ayden Heaven, deflecting a back-pass from Diallo, allowed Everton to salvage a draw.
Everton’s new manager Ruben Amorim handed Brentford recruit Bryan Mbeumo his first start of the tour, having previously missed out due to extended pre-season preparations.
Diouf Stars in West Ham’s Win Over Bournemouth
Earlier in the day, West Ham United capped their Summer Series campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Bournemouth. Goals from Niclas Füllkrug and Jarrod Bowen ensured a second win in three matches for the Hammers.
The standout performance came from Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, signed just weeks earlier on July 15. He played a decisive role in both goals, providing the key passes that unlocked Bournemouth’s defense.
“Both goals were all about him his quality is clear to see,” said Bowen. “He’s only been here a short while, but you’d think he’s been with us for years. He’s humble, a great teammate, and a fantastic footballer. We’re excited to see what he continues to bring.”
Diouf’s first assist came in the 24th minute when he delivered a pinpoint cross to Bowen, who then slipped the ball to Füllkrug for a close-range finish. The second goal came in the 67th minute, with Diouf again at the heart of the build-up, feeding Bowen for a well-taken strike.
Despite Bournemouth’s aggressive start including two early chances that hit the woodwork they failed to capitalize, allowing West Ham to grow into the match.
“What impressed me was the team’s character,” Bowen added. “It wasn’t the best start, but we stuck together and got the job done.”
With the US tour now concluded, Premier League clubs shift focus to the upcoming season, where new signings and pre-season performances will be put to the real test.
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