Manchester United defeated Fiorentina 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in their final pre-season friendly at Old Trafford, having unveiled new striker Benjamin Sesko on the pitch before kick-off.
Sesko’s move from RB Leipzig — a deal worth up to £74m — was confirmed on Saturday, and the Slovenia international was presented to the crowd just hours later. His arrival came too late for him to feature in Ruben Amorim’s final pre-season squad, but fellow new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo did start the match.
United’s revamped attack endured a frustrating opening. The visitors took the lead in the eighth minute when an unmarked Simon Sohm side-footed Albert Gudmundsson’s corner past Altay Bayindir. United were level in the 25th minute when Robin Gosens inadvertently turned Bruno Fernandes’s deep corner into his own net after Lenny Yoro met the delivery.
After restoring parity, United found chances repeatedly denied by Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea, who was returning to Old Trafford for the first time since leaving the Red Devils in 2023. He saved two headers from Yoro and denied a powerful strike from Harry Maguire before being substituted late on to a standing ovation; Sohm also struck the crossbar for the visitors.
The match went to a penalty shoot-out to decide the Snapdragon Cup. After eight successful kicks, Bayindir saved Fabiano Parisi’s effort, allowing Kobbie Mainoo to convert the decisive penalty and clinch the win.
Sesko’s arrival means Amorim can field an entirely new front three — reported to be worth more than £200m — when United begin their Premier League campaign against Arsenal next week.
