Preseason 4/5: Yoro Shines, United Stumble in 2–2 Draw

United wrapped up their Premier League Summer Series with a 2‑2 draw against Everton at the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta. In sweltering evening heat, the match doubled as a dress rehearsal for the season ahead. Bruno Fernandes’ penalty put United in front midway through the first half, but Iliman Ndiaye equalized before the break. Mason Mount’s classy finish then restored the lead in the second half, only for a freak own goal via Ayden Heaven to level it again. United leave the tour unbeaten, but with key areas still needing attention before Fiorentina visit Old Trafford on 9 August.

2’ - Yoro saves early embarrassment - Jake O’Brien’s header clipped the post after Bayindir flapped at a free‑kick. Moments later, Yoro flew in with a last‑ditch block to deny Beto.

19’ - 1-0 - Bruno scored from the spot - Tarkowski pushed down Amad, and Bruno put away the penalty for his second of the tour.

40’ - 1-1 - Ugarte mistake - Ugarte hesitated on the edge of the box, Gueye pounced and Ndiaye volleyed in at the far post.

69’ - 2-1 - Mount makes a statement - On for Cunha, Mount spun on Bruno’s pass and curled into the far corner.

75’ - 2-2 - Chaos costs United - Amad’s clearance smacked off Heaven and rolled into the net. Sloppy defending.

87’ - Dorgu nearly wins it - The substitute darted through and forced a sharp save from Pickford. Hojlund was visibly angry after this as he was available for an easy tap-in.

Amorim’s 3‑4‑2‑1 pressed high early on, morphing into a 3‑2‑5 in possession. The early press worked, with Mbeumo’s energy pinning Everton’s back line and leading to turnovers. After about 20 minutes the heat took its toll, Everton found space, bypassing the first line with long balls to Beto that kept Yoro and de Ligt busy. The press also left a gap between the defense and midfield which Everton exploited.

With Højlund on the bench, Fernandes and Cunha operated as dual playmakers behind Mbeumo. Yoro stepped out of defense to hit diagonals, and Mbeumo’s debut showed promise. Mount’s introduction brought sharp link‑play in the left half‑space, capped by his goal. Dorgu’s arrival shifted Dalot to the right and added width plus and outlet late on.

Out of possession, United dropped into a 5‑2‑3. Yoro stood out again with clean tackles and smart interceptions. De Ligt controlled the line but went off with a knock. Shaw, at left center‑back, was fine in spells but vulnerable to switches. Ugarte’s tendency to drop between the center‑backs left midfield gaps, and his error for the equalizer summed up a shaky night for him.

Bayindir - 4.5: Unconvincing on high balls, shaky distribution, and no authority at set pieces.

Yoro - 7.5: Composed under pressure, crucial early block, and progressive on the ball. Looked older than his years.

de Ligt - 6: Organized the back line, stepped forward in build‑up, but injury ended his night early.

Shaw - 5.5: Pressed well at times but caught out on switches and under pressure.

Dalot - 5: Little attacking threat from wing‑back, one key defensive intervention.

Amad - 7: Won the penalty and carried a threat, but his clearance led to the equalizer.

Mainoo - 6: Kept things ticking in midfield, could release the ball quicker under pressure.

Ugarte - 2.5: Gave away possession for Everton’s first goal and struggled throughout.

Bruno - 7.5: Scored from the spot, assisted Mount, created chances but was part of the chaos on the second equalizer.

Cunha - 6.5: Linked play well but faded before coming off.

Mbeumo - 7.5: Bright debut with clever movement and tidy passing; still building sharpness.

Dorgu (sub) - 6: Direct running nearly led to a winner. Defensive awareness still could be improved.

Mount (sub) - 8: Changed the game with his goal and intelligent positioning. A strong claim for a starting spot vs Arsenal.

Maguire (sub) - 6: Solid cameo with one big tackle late on.

Heaven (sub) - 5: Unlucky on the own goal, but loose with the ball after.

Højlund (sub) - 5: Starved of service; little impact.

Casemiro (sub) - 5: Sloppy in possession after coming on.

Fredricson (sub) - N/A: On too late to judge.

Leny Yoro - Yoro continues to look like the signing around which United can build a defense. His early block on Beto prevented a certain goal, and his reading of the game was excellent all evening. He wasn’t just defending either, his willingness to step into midfield and hit accurate diagonals gave the build‑up a different dimension. On a night when others in the back line looked patchy, he was the calm head and proactive presence that kept Everton from turning pressure into goals. Hopefully he can keep these performances going into the season.

Bruno’s penalty was the only goal from a dead ball; Everton still looked dangerous on aerial deliveries into the box.

Right flank showed more intent, but final balls lacked quality. Left side produced little, Dorgy had a great opportunity to provide Hojlund with a ball late in the game.

Bayindir stayed rooted too often and failed to dominate the area.

Scored the penalty and provided an assist for Mount, but one loose pass contributed to the messy equalizer. High risk-high reward.

With Arsenal looming a week later, Fiorentina offers the last chance to sharpen up. Here's what I'll be looking for in that game.

Ugarte needs to cut the mistakes or risk losing his place. I wouldn't be surprised if we see Casemiro starting or Bruno dropping back with Ugarte on the bench

Consistency from both flanks, especially the left. Dorgu starting should help this.