TWO steps forward for Manchester United in New Jersey and Chicago.
But a big one back in the wrong direction in the Big Peach – and the first indication that the issues of last term cannot be made to disappear overnight.
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Twice, through a Bruno Fernandes penalty and then a beauty by Mason Mount, United were ahead and looking to make it three on the trot as they lifted Summer Series silverware.
With Bruno operating in a rotating attacking trident alongside new recruits Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, there was plenty to be excited about when United were on the ball.
Yet the defensive deficiencies that undermined Ruben Amorim’s team last season resurfaced once again in the magnificent Mercedes-Benz Stadium, problems that HAVE to be addressed if United are to really start moving in the right direction.
Manuel Ugarte’s shocker was punished by Iliman Ndiaye as Everton looked much more like a David Moyes side for the first time in the USA.
And even after Mount’s curler, more cataclysmic defending ended with Ayden Heaven debited with an own goal he could do nothing about as Amad Diallo crashed the ball wildly against him.
While United will surely not be short of goals this season, this was a warning that they may be no better equipped to stop shipping them at the other end.
Amorim can instil all the culture, unity and spirit in the world.
Yet if you have a midfield that feels more like a doughnut than a wall – with a big hole in the middle – there is only one outcome.
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This was United in Jekyll and Hyde mode.
Going forward, with Fernandes, Cunha and Mbeumo given the freedom to switch positions, United offered plenty.
Cunha, still looking for his first United goal, could have had it twice in the opening 16 minutes.
First the Brazilian, found by the fast-raiding Amad Diallo and surging into the box, prodded across the face of goal with the outside of his left boot, before another half-chance was blocked.
In between, though, Everton should have been in front, with right-back Jake O’Brien hitting the post when Altir Bayindor patted a James Garner free-kick straight into his path.
United were dangerous in transition and went in front on 18 minutes – although it seemed a debatable penalty decision.
All-action Mbeumo’s excellent first time reverse sent Diallo scampering into the box and when his attempted ball inside came back to him off James Tarkowski, he made the most of a grasp of his shirt shoulder to go down.
Thomas Bramhall, equipped with Ref Cam for the TV viewers, pointed instantly to the spot, much to Tarkowski’s disbelief.
It was one that a VAR official might have taken a long look at but with that not in operation in the Summer Series, Fernandes stepped up to find the bottom corner as Jordan Pickford was rooted.
United as a club have put their faith in Manuel Ugarte, one that appeared misplaced throughout and especially when his basic error allowed Ndiaye to level.
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The Uruguayan was criminally caught in possession as he attempted to run out of his own box and Idrissa Gana Gueye’s instant switch found Ndiaye unmarked to steer back past Bayindor on the half-volley.
Indeed, when Kobbie Mainoo made a horlicks of Garner’s long throw, O’Brien could have headed Everton in front soon afterwards.
Mbeumo, in a pre-planned move, made way at half-time with Patrick Dorgo on, Diogo Dalot switching right and Amad playing further forward.
Everton were still asking more questions, Leny Yoro bailing out Matthijs de Ligt when Beto appeared on his way to goal.
Mount, however, changed the mood inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium when he span off Bruno’s flicked inside pass to thread a beauty across Pickford and into the far corner.
Not for long. Fernandes was engaged in a shoving match on half-way after an ugly swipe as Ndiaye ran away to feed substitute Tyler Onyango, with Amad’s interception only bringing an unwitting deflection off Heaven that trundled into the United net.
Dorgu, played in by Mount, could have nicked it, Rasmus Hojlund kicking the post in frustration that his fellow Dane had not picked him out. United would not have deserved that. Plenty still to work on.
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