Manchester, UK – Manchester United concluded their pre-season preparations with a penalty shootout victory over Fiorentina in the Snapdragon Cup, but manager Ruben Amorim warned his squad must improve significantly before their Premier League opener against Arsenal.
Table of Contents
Match Overview
- Result: 1-1 draw (United won on penalties)
- Fiorentina’s Early Lead: Eighth-minute opener
- United’s Equalizer: Robin Gosens’ own goal (22′)
- Decider: Penalty shootout triumph
Amorim’s Honest Assessment
Despite the win, the Portuguese coach highlighted concerning aspects of United’s performance:
- Defensive Vulnerabilities:
- “We struggled with their mobility, especially in transition.”
- Attacking Fluidity Issues:
- “Lacked sharpness in the final third – too many misplaced passes.”
- New Signings’ Integration:
- Estimated Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko are only “50-60% adapted” to his system.
Key Takeaways
✅ Positive:
- Showed resilience to recover from early deficit
- Depth in squad with multiple lineup options
❌ Concerns:
- Defensive organization against quick counters
- Attack still lacks cohesion
Looking Ahead to Arsenal Clash
Amorim emphasized:
- Training Intensity: “Two strong sessions planned to address weaknesses.”
- Selection Battles: Players can “change my mind” with training performances
- Realistic Expectations: “We’ll improve as the season progresses.”
Fan Reactions
- “Promising signs but clear work needed.” – @UnitedFanTV
- “Why are we still shaky at the back?” – @MUFCLatest
Next Up:
Premier League opener vs Arsenal – August 16, Old Trafford
Stat to Watch:
United conceded first in 3 of 5 pre-season matches – a trend that must stop against title contenders.
Will Amorim’s adjustments be enough for the Arsenal test?
