Man United Clinch Snapdragon Cup in Thrilling Penalty Shootout Against Fiorentina

Manchester United concluded their pre-season campaign with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Fiorentina at Old Trafford, ultimately securing victory through a 5-4 penalty shootout to win the Snapdragon Cup on August 9, 2025.

The match saw an early exchange of goals, with Fiorentina’s Simon Sohm opening the scoring inside the first 25 minutes. However, United were quickly back on level terms thanks to an own goal by Robin Gosens. The remainder of normal time produced no further goals, requiring the outcome to be decided by penalties.

During the shootout, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was crucial, making the only save by denying Fiorentina's fifth penalty attempt. Kobbie Mainoo then calmly converted the winning penalty, clinching a 5-4 shootout success for Manchester United.

This fixture was noteworthy not only for the intense on-field action but also for the club's off-field highlights. Four new summer signings—Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo, and the freshly confirmed Benjamin Sesko—were officially presented to the supporters prior to kickoff. Sesko, whose signing was finalized just hours before the match, watched the game from the stands as he begins his journey at Old Trafford.

Additionally, the match featured a heartfelt moment celebrating Manchester United legend goalkeeper David De Gea, who received a commemorative award from former teammate Bruno Fernandes in recognition of his legacy ahead of the forthcoming season.

The performance was closely watched by fans and pundits alike, especially with United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal looming. Manager Ruben Amorim expressed optimism about the squad's capabilities, particularly praising Sesko's potential and the team's preparedness for a challenging season.

Fiorentina, seeking to improve on their recent pre-season performances—having lost to Leicester City and drawn against Nottingham Forest—put up a determined fight but ultimately fell short in the shootout.

This victory serves as a morale booster for Manchester United as they prepare for the Premier League kickoff, highlighting their strengthened squad and setting positive expectations for the campaign ahead.