Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye were involved in a fiery confrontation during their sides’ 2-2 draw in Atlanta.
The flashpoint occurred just before Everton’s second equaliser. Fernandes slid in from behind on Ndiaye near the halfway line, prompting an angry reaction from the Everton man, who believed the challenge was reckless.
The pair squared up in a heated exchange as play continued, and moments later, United conceded a bizarre own goal, with Amad Diallo kicking the ball into his own net.
Despite the drama, United were crowned champions of the Premier League Summer Series thanks to their earlier wins over West Ham and Bournemouth.
Fernandes had put United ahead in the 19th minute, calmly converting a penalty after James Tarkowski brought down Diallo in the box.
Everton responded five minutes before half-time. Idrissa Gueye picked out Ndiaye with a pinpoint cross to the back post, and the Senegal international made no mistake with a composed finish.
Bruno Fernandes and Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye were involved in a fiery confrontation
Fernandes slid in from behind on Ndiaye, prompting an angry reaction from the Everton man
United regained the lead in the 69th minute through Mason Mount, who turned smartly inside the area before drilling a shot past Jordan Pickford.
But the lead didn’t last long. After the altercation between Fernandes and Ndiaye, Everton levelled again through Diallo’s own goal, capping off a scrappy but intense encounter – one that gave Ruben Amorim’s squad a true test ahead of the new Premier League season.
Manchester United return to action on Saturday when they host Serie A side Fiorentina at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim’s side will then kick off their Premier League campaign the following Sunday against Arsenal at home.
