Manchester United finished their pre-season on a high, beating Fiorentina on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. The Snapdragon Cup final was exciting, and Bryan Mbeumo shone as one of the best players on the pitch.
Fiorentina scored first in the 10th minute when Albian Ajeti’s corner found Sohm, who headed the ball past United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. United’s defence was caught sleeping, and coach Ruben Amorim looked upset on the sidelines.
United hit back in the 25th minute thanks to an own goal from Robin Gosens, who accidentally put the ball in his own net while trying to stop Leny Yoro and Casemiro. Fiorentina complained about a foul in the build-up, but the referee let the goal stand.
Even after the equaliser, United’s midfield had problems. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes couldn’t control the game, and the team lost the ball too easily under Fiorentina’s pressure. Mason Mount, playing as a false striker, didn’t make much impact, and new signing Matheus Cunha had a quiet first match.
In the second half, Amorim changed the formation to 4-2-3-1, moving Mbeumo up front and Mount into the No.10 role. United kept the ball better after that, but both teams missed chances to win before the final whistle.
Former United goalkeeper David de Gea got loud cheers from the Old Trafford fans when he was substituted before the penalty shootout.
The game went to sudden death in the shootout. Bayindir became the hero, saving Fabiano Parisi’s penalty, and young star Kobbie Mainoo scored the winning spot-kick to give United the trophy.
