Drama at Old Trafford: United Edge Fiorentina in Preseason Finale
If you're a Manchester United fan, this preseason finale was anything but dull. United squared off with Fiorentina at Old Trafford in their last test before the Premier League kicks off. Despite an early scare, United took home the Snapdragon Cup trophy with ice-cool nerves in a penalty shootout. Both squads showed moments of promise (and some rust) in front of a buzzing Saturday crowd that had come hungry for clues about United’s new-look lineup.
Things got started just after sunrise—well, if you’re following Eastern Time—when Simon Sohm picked the perfect moment to grab Fiorentina an early lead. The home crowd’s mood dipped, but not for long. Robin Gosens accidentally bundled the ball past his own keeper before 25 minutes were up, bringing United back on level terms. With chances coming at both ends but no winner in sight, it felt like this friendly was built for a nail-biting finish.
That shootout? One for the books, mainly thanks to Altay Bayindir. He guessed right and kept out Fiorentina’s crucial fifth penalty, setting up Kobbie Mainoo to calmly place his shot and seal a 5-4 win from the spot. The relief was obvious, and so was the sense that United are trying to shake off last season’s jitters and start the new campaign with some swagger.
A Night of Reunions and Fresh Faces
One of the biggest moments of the day had nothing to do with the ball. David De Gea, now wearing Fiorentina purple, stepped onto the Old Trafford turf once again for the first time since his big move. There weren’t many dry eyes as Bruno Fernandes handed his former teammate a commemorative award before kickoff. The crowd responded with the kind of ovation only reserved for club legends—a class act all around.
But the focus quickly shifted to United’s latest arrivals. Supporters got their first real look at the summer's new signings as Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo, and the freshly signed Benjamin Sesko were all introduced before kick-off. Sesko’s deal with RB Leipzig barely had a chance to catch Twitter fire before fans saw him at Old Trafford. The club's spending this window shows they're serious about sharpening their attacking edge.
The real story might still be in midfield. Ruben Amorim seems set on letting Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo run the engine room this season—both have featured heavily together in the friendlies. United’s management will be hoping the pair can give the club the energy and grit that’s sometimes flickered in recent years.
This preseason hasn’t been a walk in the park. United handled West Ham and Bournemouth, duelled Everton to a draw, and handled business in the Summer Series in the States. Beating Fiorentina—albeit on spot-kicks—just adds to the growing feeling that this team is coming together at the right time.
Next up? The real stuff. United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford for their Premier League opener. Fans will be keeping a close eye on how the new faces gel, whether the Mainoo-Ugarte duo holds up under Premier League pressure, and what kind of atmosphere Amorim can create as he chases a strong start to the season.