Sesko’s presentation, De Gea’s goodbye, and a gritty Red Devils win — all in one

The Red Devils emerged victorious after a tense penalty shootout, overcoming Fiorentina in a closely fought battle. The match was highlighted by the unveiling of the newest signings, as well as the heartfelt farewell to David De Gea — a player to whom the club surely still owes much.

However, it took an own goal to finally break through against their former goalkeeper, in what turned out to be their last pre-season friendly. New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both started the match and showed encouraging flashes, while their latest addition, Benjamin Sesko, observed from the stands.

Ruben Amorim noted in his program that United have already begun to look like a ‘different team’ this pre-season.

Indeed, there’s a noticeably fresh vibe compared to last season, though some familiar defensive issues reappeared as the team struggled to find the net.

Troubles at the back were evident early on, especially when Simon Sohm was left unmarked during a corner, allowing the Swiss midfielder to calmly finish. The Red Devils quickly bounced back, with Harry Maguire heading narrowly over from a Mbeumo free-kick.

Just before the half-hour mark, United leveled the score when Bruno Fernandes whipped in a corner that Robin Gosens, under pressure from Casemiro and Leny Yoro, inadvertently nodded into his own net. Although Gosens appeared to be pulled by his shirt, the goal stood.

United then pushed forward, with Mbeumo sending in a cross that Yoro met with a header, only to be denied by an acrobatic save from De Gea.

After the break, the team seemed sluggish again as Sohm’s looping header hit the bar. Cunha tested the keeper with a low strike from 25 yards that just missed, while De Gea made another impressive save to keep out Maguire’s powerful shot.

Defender Ayden Heaven suffered an injury requiring extended treatment and had to leave the pitch, raising concerns ahead of the Premier League opener next week.

As the match progressed, Fernandes delivered a low cross to Cunha, but his shot was deflected over the bar.

Before kickoff, Fernandes honored De Gea with a special tribute celebrating his 12 years at the club. De Gea was substituted near the end to give him a proper farewell in front of over 65,000 fans.

The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout for the ‘Snapdragon Cup,’ with goalkeeper Altay Bayindir emerging as the hero by saving Fabiano Parisi’s spot-kick. Sub Kobbie Mainoo calmly converted the winning penalty to seal the victory.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH

Manchester United - Fiorentina 1-1 (6-5 after penalties)

/Gosens 25 (og) - Sohm 8/