Manchester United and Fiorentina end in a 1-1 draw, with additional action required through penalties in their final pre-season friendly; Amorim's team advances with a 5-4 shootout victory.
Manchester United Show Promise in Pre-Season Friendly Against Fiorentina
Manchester United's new-look attack put on a promising display in their pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, ending in a 1-1 draw with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory. The match, held at Old Trafford, showcased the potential of the team's new signings and the adaptability of their evolving attacking strategy.
The encounter began with a goal for Fiorentina in the eighth minute, scored by Simon Sohm. However, Manchester United responded well, with an own goal by Robin Gosens in the 25th minute credited to a chaotic set-piece or cross situation, highlighting the team's ability to create scoring chances through clever delivery from midfield.
New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo started the match for Manchester United, alongside the recently unveiled striker, Benjamin Sesko. Although Sesko was not able to play due to arriving too late for the squad, his arrival means that when the Premier League campaign begins, manager Amorim will be able to field an entirely new front three worth more than £200m.
Cunha was notably involved in chances during the second half, while Casemiro had the best chances for United with two shots and an xG value of 0.68, followed by Lenny Yoro with two shots and an xG value of 0.43.
In the second half, United's forwards, especially Cunha, were active in pushing for a winning goal. Despite Fiorentina's goalkeeper making saves and the crossbar coming to their rescue once, United's attack rebounded to level and maintain sustained pressure, displaying mental strength and offensive threat from their reconstructed front line.
David de Gea, the Fiorentina goalkeeper, played against Manchester United for the first time since leaving them in 2023. He kept out two headers from Lenny Yoro, a powerful strike from Harry Maguire, and made several other important saves before being substituted.
The match required a penalty shoot-out to decide the winners, with Manchester United emerging victorious. The resilience shown by the team, particularly in attack, adds a positive note to their offensive preparations for the forthcoming Premier League season.
In the pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, Manchester United's new attack demonstrated their potential through a 5-4 penalty shootout victory, suggesting a promising outlook for the upcoming football season. During the match, Matheus Cunha and the reconstructed front line displayed both offensive threat and resilience.
