Manchester United claimed the Snapdragon Cup at Old Trafford, winning a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in 90 minutes against Serie A side Fiorentina.
Fiorentina struck early through Simon Sohm, but an own goal by Robin Gosens levelled the contest before half-time. With no more goals in the second half, the match went to penalties where United ultimately prevailed to lift the trophy.
Rúben Amorim’s Reds showed flashes of quality and danger on the break, but lacked the cutting edge to convert their chances. Fiorentina defended stoutly and threatened in behind at times.
Before kick-off the Red Devils introduced their four summer signings to the Old Trafford crowd: Matheus Cunha, Diego León, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško - the latter officially confirmed as a United player earlier in the day following his move from RB Leipzig. The quartet received rapturous applause from the fans ahead of the coming season.
The win completes United’s pre-season preparations as they swiftly turn their attention to next Sunday’s Premier League opener against Arsenal.
Story of the Match
Amorim made five changes to the side that began last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Everton in the USA. Summer arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were handed their Old Trafford debuts, while Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire came into the backline in place of Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw.
In midfield, Casemiro and Mason Mount replaced Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, both of whom dropped to the bench. Mount began the match in an unfamiliar false nine role, with Rasmus Højlund benched amid transfer speculation linking him to a move away.
There was also a start for exciting 20-year-old wing-back Patrick Dorgu, who took Diogo Dalot's spot on the right flank.
For the visitors, Old Trafford welcomed back club legend David de Gea, who started between the sticks for the away side and was honoured with a pre-match presentation.
Other familiar names for Premier League fans included Moise Kean, Fiorentina’s top scorer last season and formerly of Everton, and veteran striker Edin Džeko, who played for local rivals Manchester City from 2011 to 2016.
Fiorentina started brightly and nearly took the lead in the opening minutes. A misplaced pass from Leny Yoro handed the visitors possession, before a whipped cross into the box found Moise Kean, whose powerful header sailed narrowly over the bar.
Stefano Pioli’s men kept the pressure on and broke the deadlock in the eighth minute. An outswinging corner from Albert Gudmundsson picked out Simon Sohm in acres of space, and the Swiss midfielder made no mistake, firing past Altay Bayındır.
Whether down to poor defensive organisation or a momentary lapse in concentration, United will require far greater focus when defending set pieces against the Gunners next weekend.
United almost found an equaliser just after the 20-minute mark. Mbeumo earned a free-kick on the right and swung in a teasing delivery, met by Maguire, but the defender’s header drifted just wide.
The breakthrough for the Red Devils came in the 25th minute, albeit with a touch of fortune. Under pressure from Yoro and Casemiro, Fiorentina’s Robin Gosens could only divert **Bruno Fernandes**’ corner into his own net, drawing United level.
Moments later, de Gea displayed the type of reflex stop that typified his Old Trafford tenure and made him a fan favourite during his 12-year United career. The Spaniard reacted superbly to tip Yoro’s towering header away, the young Frenchman proving a persistent aerial threat throughout the match as he wreaked havoc in the opposing penalty area.
Viola threatened again when Domilson Cordeiro dos Santos latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Kean, but he blazed his shot over the bar. At the other end, United’s set-piece danger was evident once more as Heaven rose to meet a cross, only for de Gea to gather comfortably.
The hosts piled on the pressure before the interval. Mount tried his luck with an audacious strike from a tight angle, but it sliced just wide of the far post.
After a shaky opening spell, Amorim’s side grew into the contest and grappled control as the first half wore on, with new arrivals Cunha and Mbeumo, alongside Amad, showcasing glimpses of real quality in the final third.
Fiorentina began the second half with renewed menace. Goalscorer Sohm found space in the box and rattled the crossbar with a fierce effort, then threatened again moments later with a first-time volley that was spectacularly blocked by Heaven.
United responded, with Bruno Fernandes finding space outside the box early on, but the captain’s long-range attempt flew well over.
On the hour, Cunha came close to his first United goal when a powerful, low-driven strike flashed narrowly wide.
Soon after, Amad whipped in a wicked delivery that was flicked on by Harry Maguire, only for 18-year-old Heaven, who has slotted into United’s backline with maturity since arriving from Arsenal, to be denied when he couldn’t redirect the chance past de Gea.
Maguire then threatened following a burst forward, rifling a shot towards goal that de Gea pushed away. Fiorentina answered on the break as Kean fed Goosens, who ghosted forward and smashed a volley that struck a teammate rather than the net.
Late on, Kean again surged forward but saw his low effort drift wide.
There was a scare for United when Heaven went down injured and hobbled off - a worrying moment with the Premier League opener less than a week away.
Cunha was denied once more shortly before the 80th minute. After a slick one-two with Fernandes, the Brazilian’s close-range attempt was superbly blocked. He was involved again moments later with a headed flick toward Yoro that de Gea collected comfortably.
With the 90 minutes up the contest went to penalties. It was a nervy shootout, with both sides trading composed finishes and netting their first four penalties. Ultimately, Mainoo converted the decisive spot-kick after Bayindir saved Cher Ndour's strike to seal the Snapdragon Cup for United.
Player of the match - Amad
Throughout the 90 minutes, Amad showcased all the qualities Amorim is looking for in a wing-back in his high energy system.
The Ivorian displayed ample attacking threat, making mazing runs forward and delivering precise crosses into the box, while also defending diligently tracking runners.
It was a positive afternoon for the 22-year-old, who will without a shadow of a doubt be one of Amorim's first names on the team sheet as they look to get their 2025/26 Premier League campaign off to a strong start against Mikel Arteta's men.