Manchester United defeated Fiorentina 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Snapdragon Cup final at Old Trafford. Benjamin Sesko was unveiled as United's new £73.7m signing before kickoff alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Simon Sohm opened scoring for Fiorentina in 8th minute before Robin Gosens own goal leveled match. David de Gea received emotional reception on return to Old Trafford. Altay Bayindir saved crucial penalty before Kobbie Mainoo scored winner. Perfect preparation for Premier League opener against Arsenal.

Man United vs Fiorentina: Penalties Drama at Old Trafford as Red Devils Win Snapdragon Cup

You know what? Sometimes football gives you everything you want in one single match. That's exactly what happened when Manchester United faced Fiorentina at Old Trafford. Game Mitras brings you all the exciting details from this thrilling encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats.

The Big Match Setup

Picture this scene at Old Trafford. You've got 67,000 fans packed into the stadium. The atmosphere is buzzing because Manchester United is playing their final preseason game before the Premier League starts. But here's the kicker - they're not just playing any team. They're facing Fiorentina, and guess who's in goal for the Italian side? David de Gea, the legendary keeper who used to call Old Trafford home.

Manchester United vs Fiorentina wasn't just another friendly. This was the Snapdragon Cup final. The Red Devils wanted to end their preseason on a high note. Ruben Amorim's team had been looking good in their recent matches. They beat West Ham and Bournemouth during their US tour. Now they needed one more strong performance.

Star Player Unveiling Steals the Show

Before the match even started, something special happened. You probably heard the rumors about Benjamin Sesko joining Manchester United. Well, those rumors became reality just two hours before kickoff. The club officially announced his signing from RB Leipzig for a fee that could reach £73.7 million.

The unveiling was pure theater. Sesko walked out onto the Old Trafford pitch alongside other summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The crowd went wild. You could feel the excitement building for the new season. These signings showed that United means business this year.

But wait, there was more drama. David de Gea received a special moment too. His former teammate Bruno Fernandes presented him with a commemorative award before the match started. The Spanish keeper got a standing ovation from the United fans. It was a classy gesture that showed the respect everyone has for de Gea.

First Half Drama Unfolds

When you're watching man united vs fiorentina live, you expect action. This match delivered right from the start. Fiorentina came out swinging and caught United sleeping early on.

Just eight minutes into the game, disaster struck for the home team. Simon Sohm found himself unmarked in the box from a corner kick. The Swiss midfielder made no mistake. He volleyed the ball coolly into the bottom right corner past Altay Bayindir. The Stretford End went quiet. You could sense the nervousness creeping in.

United didn't panic though. They kept pushing forward and looking for chances. Amad Diallo combined well with new signing Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian looked lively in his Old Trafford debut. Mason Mount was pulling the strings in the central attacking role.

The equalizer came in the 25th minute, but not in the way you'd expect. Bruno Fernandes whipped in a dangerous cross from the right side. Bodies were flying everywhere in the Fiorentina box. In all the chaos, Robin Gosens accidentally deflected the ball into his own net. United were level, and Old Trafford erupted.

Second Half Keeps You Guessing

After the break, both teams made changes. You could see Ruben Amorim trying different combinations. Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount switched positions in the front three. The new signings were getting their chance to impress.

Fiorentina nearly took the lead again early in the second half. Moise Kean caused problems down the left wing. His cross was deflected by Patrick Dorgu onto United's own crossbar. It was a heart-stopping moment for the home fans.

Then Simon Sohm, who scored the opener, almost grabbed a second goal. His shot hit the crossbar again. You could see why Fiorentina had reached the final. They weren't going to make it easy for United.

Matheus Cunha came closest to winning it for United in normal time. The Brazilian unleashed a low drive that flashed just wide of de Gea's post. It would have been the perfect ending to his home debut.

Penalty Shootout Madness

When the 90 minutes ended at 1-1, you knew penalties were coming. This is where games are won and lost. The pressure was on both teams. Game Mitras witnessed some incredible drama in this shootout.

The penalties started perfectly. Both teams scored their first few kicks. Bruno Fernandes stepped up first for United and buried his penalty. Moise Kean replied for Fiorentina. Then Matheus Cunha scored his first penalty at Old Trafford. The pattern continued as both teams found the net.

The drama peaked when Fiorentina's Fabiano Parisi stepped up for their fifth penalty. Altay Bayindir, United's Turkish keeper, had been watching and waiting. He dove to his right and made a crucial save. The stadium exploded.

Now it was all on Kobbie Mainoo. The young England midfielder had the chance to win the Snapdragon Cup for Manchester United. Did he feel the pressure? Not a chance. Mainoo stepped up and coolly slotted the ball home. United had won 5-4 on penalties.

What This Means for United's Season

This victory means more than just a trophy. You can see that Ruben Amorim is building something special at Old Trafford. The new signings are settling in well. Cunha looked dangerous throughout the match. Mbeumo showed glimpses of his pace and skill.

The midfield partnership of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo is developing nicely. They played together in this match and looked comfortable. This could be United's engine room for the new season.

Looking ahead, Manchester United opens their Premier League campaign against Arsenal at Old Trafford next weekend. That's going to be a real test. Arsenal finished second last season and they'll come to Old Trafford looking to make a statement.

Where You Can Watch Future Matches

If you want to catch manchester united vs fiorentina where to watch options, you had several choices for this match. MUTV showed the game live for United fans. ESPN provided live updates throughout the match. Many streaming platforms also carried the coverage.

For the upcoming Premier League season, you'll find United's matches on various broadcasters. Sky Sports will show many games live. Game Mitras recommends checking your local listings for the best viewing options in your area.

Final Thoughts on This Thriller

This man utd vs fiorentina clash had everything you could want. Goals, drama, penalties, and new signings. United showed they're ready for the new season. The team spirit looked good. The new players are fitting in well.

David de Gea's return added extra emotion to the evening. The Spanish keeper looked sharp for Fiorentina. But in the end, it was his old club that celebrated. Game Mitras believes this victory will give United confidence heading into the Premier League season.

The Snapdragon Cup might be a preseason trophy, but trophies matter at Manchester United. Every win builds momentum. Every penalty shootout victory builds character. As you prepare for another exciting season, remember this night. It showed that United is ready to compete at the highest level once again.

Related Stories