Bruno Fernandes Unleashes Explosive Transfer Ultimatum Following Man Utd's Shocking 'Lazy' Performance
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes disclosed his desire for "one or two" additional summer acquisitions in a starkly honest assessment of the club's transfer activity this summer.
The Red Devils have invested approximately £130 million ($172.8 million) on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to strengthen an underwhelming offensive unit. Young fullback Diego León also linked up with the team this summer, though United are believed to still be pursuing a new striker, with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško identified as the primary target. Financial constraints, however, are restrictive due to the absence of income from European competition participation.
Mbeumo and Cunha both featured in the starting lineup alongside Fernandes during a 2–2 exhibition match against Everton that wrapped up United's pre-season American tour on Sunday night. Following what he characterized as a "sluggish" display, the team captain offered a frank evaluation of the roster.
"There's progress," he informed gathered media members. "However, it's not where it should be. I don't wish to criticize anyone, but the club is doing their utmost given the financial constraints they discuss.
"Yet it was abundantly evident we required more competition for the existing players, additional quality to push everyone to elevate their game slightly more to reach the starting XI, and I believe that's what the club is attempting to achieve.
"Hopefully we can secure one or two more players to assist with that objective."
United have allegedly been attempting to move players like Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho in efforts to generate funds for additional recruits. Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have all significantly outspent United this summer after placing well above the Red Devils in last season's Premier League standings.
Despite the restricted additions, Ruben Amorim has maintained a predominantly optimistic outlook while observing his team remain undefeated throughout the American tour. "If we were in a different situation, I would be more worried about that [additional signings]," the Portuguese manager told BBC Sport during the weekend.
"I'm simply concentrated on what we must improve here. I'm genuinely pleased with the players we acquired because they demonstrated [themselves] in the Premier League. I'm not worried about the physical component, and I'm truly satisfied with the mentality.
"We didn't wish to conclude in this manner. Our display wasn't optimal and we were somewhat sluggish today. We want to prevent that because with sluggishness you can suffer consequences at any time."
When confronted with Fernandes's harsh remarks on Sunday, Amorim dismissed them as encouraging. "I believe I'm pleased for the players to possess that sentiment," he stated. "It's indicating that they comprehend the circumstances. Therefore, it's a positive sentiment."