Manchester United wrapped up their preseason for the 2025-26 Premier League season with a 1-1 draw with Serie A side Fiorentina at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The two teams went to penalties afterwards, with the Red Devils converting all of their attempts in a 5-4 win.
United, however, showed why the club has splashed big money on Benjamin Sesko; Their only goal came via a Robin Gosens own goal, an equalizer after Simon Sohn put La Viola ahead early in Manchester.
Ruben Amorim’s side held 61% possession and out-attempted Fiorentina 14-10, putting five shots on a very familiar face in Fiorentina goalkeeper David De Gea.
The Red Devils again started Altay Bayindir in goal, with Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro in a back three. Casemiro partnered with Bruno Fernandes in center midfield, flanked by Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo played forward with Mason Mount.
The starters all went at least 74 minutes before Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo, Diogo Dalot, and Manuel Ugarte got short runs on the home pitch.
What’s next?
Manchester United kick off their Premier League season at 11:30am ET Sunday, August 17, with a blockbuster visit from Arsenal.
The Reds equalise 💪
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 9, 2025
Watch United v Fiorentina LIVE on #MUTV 📲
How to watch Manchester United vs Fiorentina live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 7:45 am ET Saturday (August 9)
Venue: Old Trafford — Manchester
TV Channel/Streaming: MUTV
Manchester United team news, focus
Dare we say, it’s been a positive preseason (and summer, in general) for the Red Devils? First, they were quick to complete deals for established PL stars Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, then the beat West Ham and Bournemouth, and drew Everton, to win the Summer Series in the United States. Now, RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is reportedly also on his way to Manchester. After all of that money spent to bolster Man United’s attack, the midfield remains a big question mark heading into the new season, but Amorim seemingly intends to give Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo every opportunity to cement themselves as the central pairing. Ugarte and Mainoo started two of the three Summer Series games together.
Fiorentina team news, focus
By comparison, it’s been a quiet summer of transfer business for the Viola. Nicolo Fagioli’s loan from Juventus was made permanent for $16 million, while Nicolas Gonzalez did the same thing in the opposite direction for $29 million. Stefano Pioli has come in as head coach to replace Raffaele Palladino and will lead Fiorentina into Europa Conference League qualification later this month.
Manchester United vs Fiorentina prediction
This is a big, big moment for Man United. A chance to restore some positive vibes around Old Trafford, breathe new life into their fans and steer clear of anywhere near 15th place. Manchester United 3-2 Fiorentina.
