Manchester United just wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina at Old Trafford.
It was their first match back after lifting the Summer Series trophy in the U.S., giving fans a good glimpse of what to expect ahead of the Premier League season.
The game didn’t exactly start well for United. Fiorentina’s Simon Sohm took advantage of some shaky defending from a corner and calmly poked the ball home to give the visitors the lead. But before halftime, United fought back.
A smart combination between Leny Yoro and Casemiro forced an own goal from Fiorentina’s Robin Gosens, leveling the score.
Meanwhile, the day was also notable for some big club announcements.
Manchester United unveiled their latest signings to the home crowd — including Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego Leon.
The excitement was tangible, especially around Sesko, whose arrival seems to have fans buzzing.
Sesko’s Arrival Brings Real Optimism to Old Trafford
For a while now, United fans have been hoping for a striker who can really deliver.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee just haven’t filled that void convincingly. So when Benjamin Sesko’s £74 million signing was announced on Saturday morning, it felt like the end of a long search.
Even though Sesko didn’t play in this match, the club clearly sees him as the future starting striker once he’s fully fit and settled.
His presentation on the pitch drew the loudest cheers, showing just how much hope surrounds his signing.
It’s been a while since United supporters have been this excited about a new player.
Now, all eyes will be on Sesko to see if he can live up to the hype.
What Now for Rasmus Hojlund?
Sesko’s arrival casts a long shadow over Rasmus Hojlund’s future at the club.
Despite starting early in the pre-season, Hojlund struggled to impress and seems destined for a move away — whether on loan or permanently.
In this game against Fiorentina, Hojlund didn’t even make it onto the pitch. Instead, Mason Mount started upfront and looked lively, especially with his pressing game.
Hojlund’s record of 26 goals in 95 appearances as United’s number nine just isn’t enough, but there’s still a chance he could thrive somewhere else.
It’s a “what could have been” story for now at Old Trafford.
Patrick Dorgu Shines as a Key Attacking Outlet
There’s been a lot of chatter about Amad Diallo playing as a right wing-back to add width and attacking threat, but don’t overlook Patrick Dorgu on the other flank.
Signed in January for nearly £30 million, Dorgu showed glimpses last season, and this campaign could be his breakout.
At just 20 years old, Dorgu combines raw pace with the ability to drift inside and get into dangerous positions.
He’s likely to be a regular starter on the left wing-back role and could chip in with some goals too.
With pre-season under his belt, Amorim is getting his ideas across to the team, and Dorgu looks set to play a vital role alongside Amad this year.
Bryan Mbeumo Slowly Finding His Feet in a New Role
Another summer signing, Bryan Mbeumo, is adapting to a slightly new role in the team.
While primarily a right winger or striker at Brentford, he’s being asked to play more as a number 10 at United, which takes some adjustment.
He looked sharper in this match than in the early pre-season game against Everton and showed some quality deliveries and clever movement, drifting inside from the right and causing problems for Fiorentina’s defense.
Mbeumo isn’t quite fully fit yet, so fans can expect his performances to improve as the season progresses.
So far, he looks like a solid investment.
A Central Midfielder Is Still a Big Priority for United
With Sesko signed, attention quickly turns to what United need next — and it’s becoming clear a central midfielder will top that list.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to take a deeper pivot role more regularly, and he’s proven he can still be creative from there.
But he’ll need a strong partner in midfield.
Options like Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro are in the squad, but the club wants to raise the bar.
Youngster Kobbie Mainoo might fill the role down the line, but it seems manager Ruben Amorim is eyeing a more experienced or high-profile signing.
Names like Brighton’s Carlos Baleba have been linked, though the price tag is rumored to be huge.
It’ll be interesting to see if United pull the trigger.
Mason Mount Could Be a Key Starter This Season
Amid all the new faces, Mason Mount hasn’t been talked about as much, but he could be crucial for United this season.
Finally past his injury troubles, Mount has the ability to bring energy and creativity reminiscent of his Chelsea days.
United now have plenty of options in attacking midfield, with Mbeumo and Cunha likely to start, but Mount can’t be overlooked.
He should probably start against Arsenal in their opening league match, though whether Amorim agrees remains to be seen.
Let’s not forget, there’s still plenty of talent from last season’s squad that could make a big impact this year.