Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United have closed off their 2025 summer preparations with a penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina at Old Trafford.
Rúben Amorim selected Mason Mount as part of his front three as Manchester United lined up against Fiorentina in their fifth and final pre-season fixture of 2025, ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
After new signing Benjamin Šeško was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd ahead of kick-off, the tie started with the away side on the front foot, with midfielder Simon Sohm being left free in the box to hand the Serie A side a lead within ten minutes.
United responded vigorously, and after some improved attacking play, a fantastic corner delivery from Bruno Fernandes forced Robin Gosens to turn the ball into his net after 25 minutes. Further good crosses from Bryan Mbeumo handed Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven chances, but the sides went into half-time level.
In the second half, United grew into the game, and with around 15 minutes left, Amorim made some substitutions which breathed fresh energy into his side. Good chances fell to Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, and Amad, but neither side could break the deadlock as the full-time whistle went.
With the Snapdragon Cup trophy on the line, the tie went to penalties. After eight well-taken spot-kicks, Altay Bayındır denied Fabiano Parisi strike, and Kobbie Mainoo then converted United’s fifth of the afternoon to seal the win and Snapdragon Cup trophy in the process.
#1 – Mount making a play for a starting spot
With Rasmus Højlund’s future uncertain amid the arrival of Šeško from RB Leipzig, the Dane was on the bench against Fiorentina, with Mount taking his place as the starting striker.
Mount looked to link up play when he could and initiate the press, with Amorim clearly keen to have Cunha and Mbeumo in their more natural positions, and he had a tireless fixture.
Mount has surprised some across pre-season with his athleticism and consistent running, and will no doubt provide a pivotal piece of the puzzle for Amorim in the coming season, and could start against Arsenal.
#2 – Amad and Mbeumo are still learning
At times, it still looked as if both Mbeumo and Amad were learning how to combine on the right flank. Although Mbuemo is listed as part of the front three while Amad is at wing-back, both players looked to interchange regularly.
There were some positive moments, especially from set-piece situations on the right, with the pair coming from corners on multiple occasions that led to Mbeumo delivering some fantastic crosses in the box.
IN the second half, the pair were further apart as Mbeumo moved into the centre-forward position, and admittedly, Amad did not have the best game. But with extra time on the training pitch in the coming week and throughout the season, their connection will grow over time.
#3 – Defensive concentration is still a concern
Throughout the pre-season tour, Amorim has been quick to point out that, despite some good individual displays, he is concerned about lapses in concentration in defence, and this was evident in Fiorentina’s goal.
All of United’s defenders had tracked Fiorentina’s attacking players and run to the near post, which allowed a looped cross to sail over their heads and hand Sohm the chance to open the scoring.
After the corner, United started to fix up defensively and generally looked more solid, although there were still a few nervous moments that Amorim will no doubt highlight to his team.
#4 – Yoro making himself an attacking aerial threat
One positive surprise from Saturday afternoon was a fantastic display once again from centre-back Leny Yoro, who has levelled up his game in pre-season.
Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United vs Fiorentina (pre-season)
Yoro was his usual fast and brilliant self in defence, but what also surprised many was that he stood out as an attacking threat during set-piece situations as well.
On multiple occasions, the French defender showed good movement and athleticism in Fiorentina’s box to guide headed shots toward goal. If not for David de Gea, he may have grabbed himself a brace from Mbeumo’s crosses.
#5 – There are positions still up for grabs
While the thought process is that Amorim selected the side that he would most likely want to see start against Arsenal next weekend, there are still some places up for grabs.
While Mount started as the striker, there is still a question of whether Mbeumo or the new signing, Šeško, could provide a better physical presence through the middle next Sunday.
In midfield, Casemiro looked a few seconds behind the rest at points, suggesting that Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo may have the chance to jump ahead of the Brazilian in the order.
As well, after Amad put in an underwhelming display on the right, there is also the chance Diogo Dalot could pip him at right wing-back next week.
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