Rúben Amorim has a question to answer regarding Benjamin Šeško, despite an incredible performance from one of Manchester United’s stars against Fiorentina.
Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United wrapped up their 2025 summer preparations with a penalty shootout victory, following a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina at Old Trafford.
Before kick-off, new signing Benjamin Šeško was presented to the home crowd, but it was the visitors who struck first, as Simon Sohm was left unmarked in the box to put the Serie A side ahead inside ten minutes.
United responded well, and midway through the first half, a pinpoint corner from Bruno Fernandes forced Robin Gosens to divert the ball into his own net. Bryan Mbeumo’s dangerous deliveries created further opportunities for Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, but the score remained level at the break.
United began to take control in the second half, and with 15 minutes remaining, Amorim’s substitutions injected fresh energy. Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount, and Amad all went close, yet neither team found a winner before full-time.
With the Snapdragon Cup on the line, the match was decided on penalties. After eight successful spot-kicks, Altay Bayındır saved from Fabiano Parisi, allowing Kobbie Mainoo to convert the decisive effort and secure both the win and the trophy for United.
Mount was “incredible” vs Fiorentina
With Rasmus Højlund’s future uncertain, Amorim opted against starting the Dane up front, instead deploying Mount as the club’s centre-forward against Fiorentina.
Although many expected one of Cunha or Mbeumo to take up the role, Mount’s central position meant it was his instruction to initiate the press and organise United’s front line.
Mount was “incredible” during his time up front. Despite not registering a shot, which is a definite drawback of playing a player with his statue up front rather than an imposing striker, his work on and off the ball, as well as his link-up play, were fantastic.
Mount is not an archetypal striker, as he plays his best football when playing at the same level as those such as Cunha, Fernandes, and Amad behind the striker. However, it was admirable to see the English midfielder stick to Amorim’s instructions almost to a tee.
Amorim has Šeško question to answer vs Arsenal
However, in the second half, Amorim chose to make the front three more fluid with Mbeumo up front, suggesting that the head coach may prefer a stronger player through the middle.
With Šeško through the door and set to join his teammates in training, and Højlund potentially off to AC Milan as talks continue, Amorim may choose to play the new 22-year-old from the start against Arsenal.
The North London side will likely line up at Old Trafford with Gabriel and Williams Saliba as the two starting centre-backs, who would overpower Mount in a battle for the ball, while Mbeumo or Šeško could give them a tougher time.
Šeško has a whole week’s training with his teammates at the new Carrington facilities before the Arsenal game on the weekend, AMorim must answer the question if the Slovenian will make his United debut from the start or off the bench next weekend.
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