The United captain scored to put his side forward from the scene, but Iliman Ndiai equalised shortly before halftime.
Mason Mount recovered the Red Devils’ lead in the second half.
And Fernandez was candid in his assessment of his performance in Atlanta.
“We want to avoid that because lazyness can always pay.”
On a pre-season tour in the US, Fernandez said:
“It was important to develop how we wanted to play and to get new players involved.”
However, Portugal International has admitted that more signatures may be needed.
“It’s improving,” he added. “But that’s not where you need it.
“I don’t want to dig into anyone, but the club is doing their best they can in terms of the financial situation they are talking about.
“But it was clear that there was more competition for the players that were here and there needed to be more competition to allow everyone to step up a little more to get to XI, and I think that’s what the club is trying to do.
“Hopefully we can reach out to one or two players more to help with that.”
After a disastrous finish in 15th place in the Premier League last season, Fernandez sought a return to the club’s winning mentality.
“Every little thing is important,” he said. “This football club can’t do anything on or outside the pitch because it’s too big to be punished all over the world.
“You get media attention and get attention from the fans, and you have to recognize it.
“The culture at this club was winning, and we need to get it back.
“What we need is not just the victory mentality, but other things that our club is trying to improve, like facilities, teams, staff and many more.
“A lot of people struggle with this and now it’s time for our players to show it on the pitch.”
Amorim: “We need to do a lot better.”
Reuben Amorim repeated Fernandez’s appeal for improvement after Everton’s draw.
However, he argued that the captain’s critical observations could also be viewed from a positive perspective.
“I think it’s a blessing to see players have that feeling,” the United boss told reporters. “They say they understand the situation, so that’s a good feeling.
“I think the momentum on the tour was perfect. We spent several weeks working in a good environment, a good feeling, and then we’re back in Carrington and getting closer to start the season.
“We feel we need to do a lot (better).”
Asked about the need for more additions before the transfer window ends, Amorim said:
“We need to improve as a team. We could improve with the players and I’m really happy with this club.”
