Manchester United defeated Fiorentina 5-4 via a penalty shootout after their pre-season game ended 1-1 after regulation time at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Prior to the game, the club unveiled Benjamin Sesko in front of an adoring Old Trafford crowd, while David de Gea got a brilliant reception on his return to the Theatre of Dreams.
As far as action on the pitch was concerned, the home side dominated proceedings, and should have scored a lot more goals if not for some last-ditch defending from the Italian side as well as De Gea turning back the clock in goal.
The 20-time English league champions look significantly stronger going forward, but a familiar problem from last season reared its head again.
Strong in attack, indecisive at the back
It was the visitors who opened the scoring after some lax defending inside the box from a corner. Set-piece defending has not been the club’s strong suit in recent seasons.
United, however, did score from a set-piece themselves, an own goal, with Bryan Mbeumo’s crossing proving to be a major weapon. With Sesko now signed, the Red Devils finally have a strong aerial presence inside the box.
Expect plenty of crosses from United this season, a great attacking weapon to have after a few seasons wherein hardly any balls were whipped into the box.
There were moments wherein Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Mbeumo and Mason Mount combined well, but the head coach will have a tough choice on his hands when it comes to picking the midfield pairing and the three centre-backs.
Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven started against the Serie A side, while Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw saw the majority of minutes in pre-season.
Telling selection calls
He did send a strong signal regarding his preferred options. It was telling to see Manuel Ugarte get only seven minutes after his poor performance against Everton in the last game of the US tour.
But with Casemiro and Fernandes, United risk giving up a lot of space in midfield due to the lack of pace. Which explains why INEOS are looking at Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion.
Amorim also did not select Rasmus Hojlund in the starting XI, nor did he step onto the pitch as a substitute, hinting at his departure this window with AC Milan circling.
Against Arsenal next week, United are likely to play a fluid front three as they have utilised this pre-season, till Sesko becomes fully match-fit. Hojlund is unlikely to start.
But the midfield pairing will be intriguing to see. Roll on the start of the new campaign.
Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
