Manchester United’s struggles continued at Goodison Park, with the Red Devils only salvaging a point thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free-kick and a late Manuel Ugarte strike.
Yet, despite the comeback, Fernandes made it clear after the match that United’s players must demand more from themselves.
It was another performance that highlighted both the best and worst of Erik ten Hag’s team. A slow, uninspiring first half saw United fall 2-0 behind, looking devoid of intensity and ideas. If not for Fernandes’ brilliance and Ugarte’s opportunism, the night could have ended in yet another damaging defeat.
United were fortunate to escape with a point, especially after VAR controversially overturned a late penalty decision in Everton’s favor. But rather than dwell on that, Fernandes turned the focus inward, acknowledging that the current situation is far from acceptable.
Fernandes’ words were pointed and necessary. “We need to be aware that the position we’re in is not the best, it’s not where the club needs to be. We need to demand more from ourselves,” he stated post-match.
This was not just a captain’s rallying cry but a stark admission of where United find themselves. Once a club that set the standard in English football, United now appear adrift, struggling for consistency and identity. Fernandes’ statement is a challenge to his teammates: step up or continue to sink into irrelevance.
A Wake-Up Call for United
The second-half improvement against Everton showed that United can fight when they need to—but why does it take a crisis to spark a reaction? As Fernandes noted, the freedom to play only seemed to emerge once the team was trailing. That mentality is not sustainable for a club with United’s ambitions.
Every game from here on out is crucial, not just for the team’s league position but for the future of several players and possibly the manager. With every setback, the pressure grows, and Fernandes’ leadership will be vital in ensuring that performances rise to meet expectations.
