Ruben Amorim gives verdict on Bruno Fernandes' brutal transfer demand to Man Utd chiefs

Ruben Amorim has insisted he welcomes Bruno Fernandes' criticism after the Manchester United captain claimed they were "lazy" in their pre-season clash with Everton and that they need to add "more quality" in the transfer market.

United drew 2-2 with Everton in their final Premier League Summer Series match in the US and even though a draw was enough for the Red Devils to win the tournament, Fernandes was not happy with their performance.

United twice squandered a lead at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with goals from Fernandes and Mason Mount cancelled out by a strike from Iliman Ndiaye and an Ayden Heaven own goal.

"It's improving, but it's not where we want it to be," Fernandes said after the match. "It's a game of football, there's always passion there. Whatever happens, happens.

"There was nothing spicy there, it's normal, it is part of the game. It's been positive [the US tour] and it's good to create a bond with the players. We looked a bit lazy today and we need to change that.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd's Benjamin Sesko offer, Liverpool exits planned, Alexander Isak latest

READ MORE: Man Utd flop Antony rejects third transfer this summer despite role in 'bomb squad'

"We needed more quality to get everyone to step up a bit more and to have more to do to get into the starting line-up. I think that's what the club and the manager are trying to do and hopefully we can get one or two players more to help with that."

And when asked about Fernandes' comments, Amorim responded: "I'm happy for the players to have that feeling. It's saying that they understand the situation. So it's a good feeling.

"It's understanding that in this club, everything is ups and downs. We understand that, but I prefer that feeling [the ups] than the other side."

Reflecting on the draw with Everton, Amorim added: "You can perform, I don't like to say bad, but we can struggle a little bit in the game, but if you create chances you can win even that kind of game.

"If you play well, they will say that we play really well, something on the opposite side. It's the same thing, so we need to be really consistent. We already knew that we had two weeks, this will not change in two weeks, but we are better.

"Even in this game we create chances and that is really important. But of course, I think it's the perfect feeling to go back to Carrington. I think the momentum of the tour was perfect.

"So we had the weeks to work with a good environment, good feeling, and then we go back to Carrington and we are near to start the season. We are going with the feeling that we need to do a lot of things."

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.