The Premier League Summer Series came to a thrilling conclusion at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Manchester United and Everton played out a pulsating 2-2 draw. It was a game filled with intensity, moments of quality, and glimpses of what fans can expect from both sides when the new Premier League season kicks off.
While the scoreline ended level, Manchester United left the field looking confident, sharp, and poised for a strong start to the 2025 campaign under Ruben Amorim.
From quick passing sequences to clinical attacking play and a hunger to control the game, United showed the kind of preseason sharpness that has been missing in previous years. Everton, to their credit, battled hard, provided stern resistance, and exploited occasional defensive lapses, reminding United that the Premier League will offer no easy fixtures.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the game, the key moments, and what this result says about Manchester United’s readiness for the upcoming season.
A fast start and early warning signs
The match kicked off under humid Atlanta conditions, but the tempo was electric from the first whistle. United immediately stamped their authority on the game, controlling possession and moving the ball quickly between the lines. Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes dictated the midfield, combining fluidly with the front three of Matheus Cunha, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo.
United’s quick tempo caused Everton’s defense to sit deep early on. They should have taken the lead in the 5th minute when Fernandes slipped through a delightful ball to Amada, who then sent Cunha on his way, but the Brazilian could only watch in despair as his shot beat goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and went wide. Moments later, the Toffees’ first big chance of the game came in the 7th minute. A well-taken free kick from 25 yards out by James Garner, whose shot was saved brilliantly by Altay Bayindir. The follow-up was met expertly by Jake Obrien, who should have scored from close range, but his shot hit the upright and went agonizingly wide. It was a warning sign that, despite United’s dominance in possession, lapses in concentration could still be costly.
Just minutes later, United struck first blood. Bryan Mbeumo played a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Amad, who beat the offside trap and squared up James Tarkowski, who then pulled Amad down scenically for a penalty to Manchester United. The tricky Fernades sent Jordan Pickford the wrong way to make it 1-0 and his third of the campaign. It was a goal that highlighted United’s sharpness, movement off the ball, and ability to turn defence into attack in a matter of seconds.
Everton’s response and defensive lessons for Man United
Five minutes before the break Everton responded. Tarkowski picked Manuel Ugarte’s pocket as he tried to dribble out of defence. Idrissa Gana Gueye quickly picked the loose ball up and served up a delightful dink over the backline of Manchester United to Lliman Ndiaye, who fired a low, curling effort beyond Bayindir to level the score at 1-1.
The equaliser was a reminder of an issue that plagued United last season: defensive errors in critical moments. While Leny Yaro and Matthijs de Ligt have the makings of a rock-solid partnership, occasional lapses in communication remain a concern. Amorim will want to iron out these mistakes before the season kicks off, especially against teams that thrive on counterattacks.
The rest of the first half was a high-energy contest, with United controlling possession but struggling to break down a compact Everton block. Pickford was called into action several times, denying Ugarte from close range and parrying a powerful Fernandes free kick.
United’s second goal shows their attacking potential
Early in the second half, United reclaimed the lead with a goal that summed up the attacking fluidity Amorim has been working to instill. Patrick Dorgu, who continues to impress out wide, took a quick throw-in to Mount. A quick one-two between Mount and Fernandes pulled three players to him, leaving an open Mount who collected the pass from Fernandes and swivelled to set him self up for a sumptuous shot past the hapless Pickford in goal to make it 2-1. It was a goal that showcased three key aspects of United’s preseason sharpness:
- Aggressive ball-winning – Mainoo’s and Ugarte ability to break up play and transition quickly.
- Cohesive link-up play – Mount and Fernandes combining to stretch the Everton defense.
- Clinical finishing – Amad displaying the kind of winger’s instinct United have been missing for years.
This type of goal, a textbook counterattacking move with precision execution, bodes well for United’s ambitions of challenging for silverware this season.
Everton’s late equalizer was a familiar frustration
Despite looking sharper overall, United once again allowed a late goal that turned a win into a draw. With just five minutes left on the clock, a comedy of errors at the back between Amada and Ayden Heaven undid Amorim’s men. Tyler Onyango’s cross caught Amad in a spot of bother, who tried to clear, but his attempted clearance found Heaven’s shin and trickled in as the wrongfooted Bayindir stared bemusedly.
This 2-2 result was frustrating for United, not just because they had been the better side, but because conceding late goals was a recurring issue last season. While their attacking play looks much improved, defensive set-piece and counterattack vulnerabilities remain weaknesses. With a packed Premier League schedule ahead, these lapses could prove costly if not addressed.
Positives to take away for Manchester United
Despite the draw, there are plenty of positives to take away from this match – and from United’s entire Summer Series campaign.
1. Sharper, quicker ball movement
United’s passing and overall ball circulation were far crisper than last summer. Fernandes and Mainoo controlled the tempo, while Cunha and Mbeumo provided width and directness. The team looked far more fluid in attack, a sign that Amorim’s ideas were finally taking hold.
2. Rasmus Højlund finding his scoring touch
The Danish striker ended last season with promise but inconsistency. one goal in three games in the Summer Series suggest that he’s becoming more confident in his finishing. If he maintains this form, he could be the 20-goal-a-season striker United have lacked since the days of Robin van Persie.
3. Kobbie Mainoo’s rise continues
Mainoo has been one of the standout performers of preseason, and this game was another example of his maturity beyond his years. He broke up play, transitioned the ball well, and dictated tempo when needed. His partnership with Casemiro or Fernades could be pivotal in the season ahead.
4. Pressing triggers working well
United pressed with purpose, winning the ball high up the pitch and forcing Everton into mistakes. This level of energy and organization is exactly what Ten Hag demands, and it shows the players are fit and ready to start the season strong.
Areas still needing work
While there were positives, Amorim will know there’s room for improvement:
- Defensive Organization: Conceding two goals from avoidable situations shows that concentration and communication need sharpening.
- Finishing Consistency: United created enough chances to win this game comfortably but lacked the ruthless edge in front of goal.
- Set-Piece Vulnerability: The late equalizer highlighted a problem that has persisted since last season – poor marking and second-ball reactions.
Overall: A promising preseason for United
Preseason is never about results alone; it’s about building rhythm, fitness, and chemistry. Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Everton might not have been the perfect farewell to their U.S. tour, but the signs are encouraging.
- The team is moving the ball faster.
- The attack looks sharper and more clinical.
- Young players like Mainoo and Mount are thriving.
- Højlund is growing into his role as the team’s primary striker.
With the Premier League season just around the corner, United looks prepared, confident, and ready to mount a serious challenge. If Amorim can tighten up the defence and ensure late lapses don’t cost points, the Red Devils could start the campaign as one of the most dangerous sides in the league.
For fans, the Summer Series finale offered plenty of reasons to be optimistic. A draw may not have been the dream ending, but the bigger picture is clear: Manchester United are sharper, more dynamic, and hungrier than they’ve been in years – and that’s a promising sign for the season ahead.