Manchester United concluded their rather positive US summer tour with the final Premier League Summer Series clash against a former manager in David Moyes, as United took on Everton to round off the trip and end the mini-tournament. With Ruben Amorim just a few weeks away from exceeding the tenure length of Moyes at Old Trafford, he has been boosted by a positive reaction to recent performances, feeling within the camp and sense of control over the players who will be continuing at the club in the current project.

The final US game against Everton saw United travel to Atlanta and while the game turned out to be one of the most average performances of the 3 across the pond, it still resulted in United claiming some silverware as they were crowned Summer Series champions. While most would saw pre-season doesn’t matter at all, a feeling of winning against Premier League opposition is something fans can certainly get behind.

As always, if you have any thoughts on Manchester United ahead of the new season or in this specific game, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).

Teams

Manchester United: Bayindir, Shaw (Heaven 57′), De Ligt (Fredricson 88′), Yoro (Maguire 57′), Dalot, Ugarte (Casemiro 72′), Mainoo (Mount 57′), Amad, Fernandes, Cunha (Hojlund 72′), Mbeumo (Dorgu 46′)

Subs: Mee, Heaton, Leon, Kone, Collyer, Mantato, Obi-Martin, Williams

Everton: Pickford, Mykolenko, Keane, Tarkowski (Aznou 61′), O’Brien, Oroegbunam (Armstrong 84′), Gueye (Onyango 61′), Garner, Ndiaye (Chermiti 84′), Beto (Barry 61′), Alcaraz (McNeil 61′)

Subs: Tyrer, Travers, Thomas, Heath, Clarke

Manchester United 2-2 Everton

Manchester United closed their U.S. Summer Series tour with a dramatic 2‑2 draw against Everton at the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, a result that nonetheless secured them the Summer Series title following earlier wins over West Ham and Bournemouth. Rúben Amorim’s Red Devils were twice undone by Everton’s resilient response, despite taking the lead through a calm Bruno Fernandes penalty after Amad Diallo was fouled by James Tarkowski in the 19th minute. Everton levelled just before the break, as Iliman Ndiaye latched onto Idrissa Gana Gueye’s cross to nod in from close range, catching United’s defence off balance.

The second half showcased United pressing for the winner. Mason Mount, newly introduced, seized on a clever flick from Fernandes to curl a superb effort past Jordan Pickford and restore the lead in the 69th minute. However, United’s hopes were deflated minutes later when an attempted clearance by Amad Diallo ricocheted off Ayden Heaven and into his own net, leaving the score line at 2‑2 and preserving Everton’s spirited comeback.

Tensions flared on the pitch, as Bruno Fernandes and Iliman Ndiaye clashed off the ball during a counter‑attack, earning both players yellow cards, a moment that seemed to momentarily destabilise United’s rhythm and preceded the own goal. Post-match, Fernandes labelled his side’s performance “a little bit lazy” and called for more signings to lift standards after a disappointing 15th‑place Premier League finish last term. Manager Amorim echoed the need for improvement, noting that significant work remains to ensure better cohesion and resilience as the season approaches.

Talking Points

Manchester United were crowned Premier League Summer Series champions despite a 2‑2 draw with Everton in Atlanta, capping off a solid U.S. pre-season campaign under new manager Rúben Amorim. With earlier wins over West Ham and Bournemouth, the result was enough to see United finish top of the mini-league format. While the silverware will offer some encouragement after last season’s dismal 15th-place Premier League finish, Amorim’s post-match comments suggested there’s little room for complacency. United’s captain Bruno Fernandes echoed that sentiment, labelling the performance “a little bit lazy” and calling for reinforcements before the new campaign kicks off.

A key subplot in Atlanta was the long-awaited debut of Bryan Mbeumo, United’s newest signing from Brentford. Although not fully up to full fitness, the Cameroonian forward showed flashes of the energy and directness that made him such a threat in west London. While he didn’t find the net, Mbeumo’s movement off the ball and ability to stretch Everton’s back line offered a glimpse of the dynamic attacking threat Amorim is hoping to build around. His combination play was promising, and United fans will be eager to see more once he’s fully up to speed.

Still, underlying issues remain. The sloppy moments proved costly, much like the defensive lapses that plagued their 2024/25 season. Several errors in the build-up to the equaliser and the team’s lapse in concentration after retaking the lead were reminders that Amorim has significant work to do defensively. Despite lifting the trophy, this draw served as a warning that the bad habits haven’t been fully shaken off.