David de Gea received a standing ovation on his return to Old Trafford as Fiorentina’s goalkeeper, a reminder of better times for Manchester United. The Spaniard’s departure at the end of the 2022-2023 season epitomised the club’s self-inflicted problems, with United allowing him to run down his contract before spending £40m on André Onana a year later. De Gea took a season off and returned to become one of Serie A’s best, earning warm applause from the home crowd.
Ruben Amorim’s new-look attack, featuring Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, cost more than £200m. With Sesko watching from the stands after his transfer was confirmed on Saturday, Mason Mount was surprisingly deployed as a false No 9. Amorim acknowledged United “struggled without a reference as a striker” in his rigid 3-4-3 formation, with Rasmus Højlund remaining on the bench throughout the match.
Mbeumo showed neat touches and dogged determination, chasing every ball, though Amorim noted a “lack of fluidity” in the final third. Cunha, known for his bursts of creativity, carried the ball through defensive lines and inspired the crowd. The Brazilian was given detailed instructions by Amorim during a break in play, indicating he still has much to learn.
Defensive concerns persist, as two Fiorentina players were left unmarked from a corner, allowing Simon Søgaard to score the opener. The central midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes lacked mobility, even in a game played at reduced intensity.
Amorim said he should be judged after a full pre-season, and with Sesko expected to start against Arsenal next weekend, United’s new era remains a work in progress. Replica Cunha shirts were already popular among fans, but the team will need to improve their creativity and clinical finishing after scoring only 44 goals in 38 Premier League games last season.
