Tensions Flare: Bruno Fernandes and Iliman Ndiaye Clash in Pre-Season Match

Manchester United’s pre-season campaign in the USA took a dramatic turn during their 2-2 draw with Everton on Sunday night, as captain Bruno Fernandes found himself at the center of an ugly scuffle with Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye. The incident, which occurred amid a tense counter-attack, saw the pair exchange physical blows and shoves, drawing the attention of teammates and fans alike.

The Red Devils, leading 2-1 at the time, were caught off guard when Ndiaye capitalized on a lapse in concentration from Fernandes. As the Everton midfielder darted past him during a breakaway, Fernandes appeared to lunge with his leg, a move that Ndiaye immediately took offense to. The altercation escalated quickly, with the two players clashing on the half-way line before teammates intervened to separate them.

Mason Mount, who had previously scored for United, became a target of Ndiaye’s frustration during the melee, enduring a grab around the neck. The distraction proved costly for Manchester United, as their defensive disorganization led to a bizarre own goal by Ayden Heaven. The mistake came after Amad Diallo’s tackle on Dwight McNeil inadvertently deflected the ball into Heaven’s path, sealing the draw.

Despite the incident, both Fernandes and Ndiaye had earlier contributed to the match’s scoring. Fernandes opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a composed penalty, while Ndiaye equalized in the 39th with a clinical finish from a cross by Idrissa Gana Gueye. Fernandes later assisted Mount’s stunning 69th-minute goal, showcasing his playmaking prowess.

However, the scuffle overshadowed his performance. Post-match, Fernandes criticized his team’s lack of focus, telling NBC Sports: “We were a little bit lazy, and we have to avoid that because the laziness you can pay at any moment.” He emphasized the need to restore the club’s winning culture, stating, “At this football club, you can’t do anything wrong on or off the pitch because it’s too big worldwide and you get punished by that.”

The referee issued yellow cards to both players for their conduct, adding to the frustration of United supporters who have seen their team struggle in recent months. Fernandes’ comments reflect the pressure on the club to deliver results following a summer of upheaval, including managerial changes and player departures.