Manchester United 1-1 Fiorentina: Highlights, man of the match stats as De Gea denies Red Devils win on Old Trafford return

Manchester United had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina on Saturday afternoon, as they returned to Old Trafford for their final pre-season outing.

The first half was a showcase in how not to defend corners, with Fiorentina taking an early lead through the unmarked Simon Sohm before Robin Gosens turned a dangerous Bruno Fernandes corner into his own net, sending the sides into the break level at 1-1.

Man United were particularly dominant in the second half, taking nine shots - three of which were big chances - but the Red Devils were unable to capitalise on their control and attacking threat as Fiorentina held on for the draw.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Ruben Amorim's game plan and system does certainly look improved in comparison to last season's miserable showings, but there are still clear problems for the manager to work on.

Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo have the potential to strike up a scary partnership on the right side, but both players were trapping each other in the same spaces as they aimed to fill similar spots in attacking moves - an issue that will surely be ironed out with more game time together.

There was also a clear need for a striker as Mason Mount struggled to hold up the ball from direct passes forward, and Amorim will be hoping new signing Benjamin Sesko - who was unveiled at Old Trafford before the match - can have the impact desired to help take Man Utd up the standings.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS. FIORENTINA HIGHLIGHTS

8th min: Manchester United 0-1 Fiorentina (Simon Sohm)

Sohm?⚜️
0-1#forzaviola #fiorentina pic.twitter.com/v5vWjsNWSk
— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) August 9, 2025

Fiorentina take the lead - Sohm on his Fiorentina debut!

Albert Gudmundsson delivers a deep, outswinging corner aimed toward the back post, and it finds Sohm completely unmarked as the Man Utd defenders are all distracted in the middle of the box.

Sohm walks onto the dropping ball and beautifully drives a side-footed strike into the bottom right corner, giving Fiorentina the lead.

25th min: Manchester United 1-1 Fiorentina (Robin Gosens own-goal)

Man Utd level the score - another goal from a corner in this match!

Bruno Fernandes whips a looping corner towards the back post, where Casemiro and Leny Yoro are wrestling with Gosens in contention for the ball.

Gosens ends up making the contact, turning the ball into the top right corner of his own net.

MAN OF THE MATCH - BRUNO FERNANDES

As is always the case, Fernandes was the man that every Manchester United move went through today, and the midfielder demonstrated his quality in the deeper midfield role.

The Portuguese international delivered a stunning corner for Man Utd's equaliser, while he also made one key pass and one big chance.

While Fernandes was unable to help lead the Red Devils to victory, he was certainly the standout performer across either of the two teams.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS. FIORENTINA MATCH STATS

Possession: Manchester United 61%-39% Fiorentina

Shots: Manchester United 14-10 Fiorentina

Shots on target: Manchester United 5-1 Fiorentina

Corners: Manchester United 6-1 Fiorentina

Fouls: Manchester United 8-9 Fiorentina

WHAT NEXT?

Manchester United round up their pre-season preparations with a draw, and full focus will now shift to when they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford in their first Premier League fixture on August 17.

As for Fiorentina, the Violets will take on the winner of FC Polissya versus Paksi FC in the Conference League playoff round first leg on August 21 before starting their Serie A season three days later against Cagliari.