Manchester United’s final pre-season fixture takes place this weekend as Ruben Amorim faces Italian side Fiorentina.
The new Premier League campaign is looming large, and Manchester United fans have cause for quiet optimism.
Last season was another difficult experience for United fans, with Ruben Amorim only managing a 15th-place finish in the Premier League.
Add in a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, and last season will not be remembered fondly.
United have now added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to bolster Amorim’s attack, with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko closing in on a move to Old Trafford.
United should be a much more dangerous attacking force this season, and fans will hope to see more encouraging signs against Fiorentina this weekend.
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Bruno Fernandes message to David de Gea
United’s pre-season campaign ends with an Old Trafford clash against Fiorentina, which means a return for David de Gea.
De Gea left United in the summer of 2023, having spent more than a decade between the sticks at Old Trafford.
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The Spaniard racked up more than 500 appearances for United but was let go as his contract came to an end.
After a year out of the game, De Gea joined Fiorentina last summer and enjoyed a fine season in Serie A.
Now, some way back to his best, the 34-year-old is poised for an emotional return to United.
De Gea is part of the Fiorentina squad, and former teammate Bruno Fernandes has now sent a heartfelt message.
United skipper Bruno has recorded a video message for De Gea, admitting that he can’t wait to see the Spaniard.
Bruno thinks De Gea will enjoy being back in Manchester, but made it clear that he still wants to score against the Fiorentina stopper, despite their friendship.
“David, my friend,” said Bruno.
“Can’t wait to see you at the Snapdragon Cup. Hope you enjoy being back at Old Trafford to see your fans, to see your house, to see your home.
“At the same time, I hope I score some goals against you and we enjoy the day together,” he added.
Fiorentina results in England
Fiorentina have already played two friendlies in England ahead of their trip to Old Trafford.
The first game of their trip was a clash with Championship side Leicester City, with De Gea an unused substitute in a 2-0 defeat.
Fiorentina then faced Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, with De Gea starting against the Premier League side.
The game finished in a 0-0 draw as De Gea kept a clean sheet ahead of his return to United.
De Gea will certainly expect to start against United, and should be given a warm welcome upon his return to Manchester.