Manchester United concluded their pre-season with a gripping encounter against Fiorentina, finishing 1‑1 in regulation time before edging out a 5‑4 victory in the penalty shootout to lift the Snapdragon Cup.
The play in the First Half
By taking advantage of a weakly defended corner, Simon Sohm broke the impasse early for Fiorentina.
Manchester United responded when Robin Gosens inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, leveling the score at 1‑1 roughly 25 minutes in.
Former Red David de Gea, now between the Fiorentina sticks, received a heartfelt reception from fans during his return to Old Trafford—an emotional subplot to the contest.
Resolution of the Second Half and Penalty
Both teams tried to take the lead but were unable to do so, forcing a nerve-racking penalty shootout. The difference was made by Altay Bayindir, who made a vital save on Fiorentina’s fifth attempt. United won a 5–4 shootout after Kobbie Mainoo stepped up and scored the game-winning penalty.
Emerging Stars and Lingering Concerns
New signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha offered glimpses of creativity and energy, though noticeable gaps in finishing were evident.
Manager Ruben Amorim deployed Mason Mount in a false No. 9 role in the absence of Benjamin Sesko, who had only just been unveiled pre-match. The absence of Rasmus Højlund from play sparked fan speculation about his future.
A notable setback: Ayden Heaven, an 18-year-old defender, exited the pitch injured in the 71st minute—a concern just ahead of the Premier League opener
Final Takeaways
Strong End to Pre-season: United sealed their final warm-up with a trophy despite finishing the game off Fiorentina.
Old Trafford Sentiment: The match’s emotional highlight was De Gea’s return, stirring deep-rooted nostalgia among fans.
Squad Transition: As new recruits settle in, United still face tactical adjustments and concerns over striking depth and defensive cohesion.
Final Scorecard
| Match Element | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Regulation Time | Manchester United 1 – 1 Fiorentina |
| Penalty Shootout | Manchester United 5 – 4 Fiorentina |
| Trophy Won | Snapdragon Cup |
The pre-season curtain falls with United showing fight, resilience, and character. Now eyes turn to August 17, when the real season begins.
This article is based on match reports, publicly available highlights, and official team updates from the Manchester United vs Fiorentina pre-season friendly. Match details, player statistics, and outcomes are accurate as of the time of writing. For the latest updates, viewers are encouraged to refer to the official club websites and verified sports news platform.
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