Manchester United Win Snapdragon Cup to End Pre-Season Unbeaten

Manchester United closed out their pre-season campaign with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Fiorentina to lift the Snapdragon Cup at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

The visitors struck first inside the opening ten minutes, but United drew level midway through the first half when Robin Gosens turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Leny Yoro.

Despite dominating large spells of the game, the home side were unable to find a winner in regulation time, forcing the match into penalties.

United were flawless from the spot, with Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, Amad, and Kobbie Mainoo all converting. The result means Ruben Amorim’s side finish pre-season unbeaten for the first time since 2019.

Saturday also served as a symbolic occasion for United fans, who welcomed new signing Benjamin Sesko alongside other summer signings, while bidding farewell to long-serving goalkeeper David de Gea.

The Spaniard, withdrawn before the shootout, earned a standing ovation in his final Old Trafford appearance. In a fitting twist, he saved many clear cut chances— a superb performance that highlight his stellar career at Old Trafford.

In appreciation of his service to Manchester United and a bid to get his well deserved farewel, De Gea was presented with a plaque highlighting his contributions to the success of the team during his time.

Amorim Admits United Struggled Without a Striker in Fiorentina Win

Speaking to MUTV after the match, Amorim said:

“We had some difficulties, especially at the start of both halves. They have a lot of mobility and we struggled to find the right moment to press, but then we controlled the game.

We lacked fluidity and we can do better, but it was a perfect preparation game — it showed us where we need to improve and that there will be moments where we struggle. Sometimes, though, we have players who can produce something special and lift the stadium.”

On the growing partnership between summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, Amorim added:

“It’s going to be special. I think they’re at maybe 50 or 60 per cent of what they can do. Like any team, we will improve during the season and they will be so much better.

In some moments, because of the one-v-one battles all over the pitch, we struggled without a reference striker. We have a new player now, so we’ll see.”

United’s victory completes a pre-season “double” after winning both the Premier League Summer Series and the Snapdragon Cup. While neither trophy is likely to take pride of place at Carrington, the celebrations — accompanied by the traditional “Glory Glory Man United” — ensured a positive end to preparations for the new campaign.