Embarrasing defending costs Man Utd in final friendly as more transfers needed - 5 talking points

Manchester United could only earn a draw as their pre-season preparations ended in a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina. The Red Devils returned to Old Trafford with their new signings as Ruben Amorim was afforded a final opportunity to test his plans ahead of the new season.

The early stages of the match did not show a team ready to take on Arsenal next week. Some scandalous defending from an eighth minute corner left two bodies completely free and saw Simon Sohm to hit the ball first time past Altay Bayindir.

And while United settled in to dominate position, they're equaliser required a corner of their own and some good fortune. Robin Gosens put the ball into his own net with Casemiro lucky not to be punished after putting some enthusiastic pressure on his opponent.

Flashes of creativity emerged from the home team's frontline of Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha but clear-cut opportunities were not always forthcoming against former United goalkeeper David De Gea. Smart play between Mount and Bruno fernandes offered United their best opportunity for Cunha, but the Brazil international saw an effort from eight yards blocked in the closing stages of the game.

All in all, it was a game that will not have offered too many new worries for fans but also taught them little about what they can expect next season. Mirror Football takes a look at the talking points to arise from the clash.

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United's new frontline

After United confirmed the signing of Benjamin Sesko on Saturday morning, it was no surprise to see the 22-year-old in attendance at Old Trafford. The striker was presented to fans alongside Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and Bryan Mbeumo before kick-off.

It was Sesko who received the loudest cheer as he entered the Theatre of Dreams and soon may have the greatest expectations of finding the net. While Cunha and Mbeumo started against Fiorentina, Sesko is likely the final piece of a new frontline.

"He's really young. He's good in the air. He's good running the channels. He's good on the ball. So I think he has great potential. I think he can improve a lot," said Amorim before kick-off.

"Ben is a player that, with all the information that we have, we need to stop the guy from working - it is not the opposite! That is also important."

Amorim will hope his new front three can soon find the net after not looking too likely to against Italian opposition. The interplay and playmaking from Cunha and Mbeumo gives some reason for optimism however.

Mason Mount's outing suggests he should not be ruled out of the club's starting XI either. The former Chelsea man has plenty of talent to take advantage of and could yet keep his place against Arsenal as Sesko settles in.

David De Gea tribute

The goalkeeper made his return to Manchesterhaving departed in 2023. It was no surprise to see a positive reception as soon as he entered the field to warm up and having greeted United stars in the tunnel, De Gea was also presented with a framed picture ahead of kick-off.

The applause did not stop there as his first pause in possession of the ball saw a lively reception. And the Spaniard showed some of his trademark talent too.

After 30 minutes De Gea rolled back the years to save Leny Yoro's point blank range header to send a reminder to all those in attendance. Few were better as a shotstopper than De Gea during his time at United and he earned an impressive response when replaced in the 87th minute.

The veteran is a rare legend to emerge from a relative fallow period having guarded the net for United's last Premier League title more than a decade ago. It was perhaps time to move on but his quality can certainly be appreciated.

Position locked down

Ahead of the game, Ruben Amorim spoke of the importance in managing the team's minutes to ensure his team are ready for the start of the season. One figure who has been a consistent presence is defender Lenny Yoro however.

Despite his tender age, the French central defender has started four of the five friendlies. Yoro's team-mates in the backline have seen greater rotation with Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven's requiring time on the pitch to get up to speed.

After injury prevented him making a quick impression 12 months ago, Yoro looks a certain starter next week.

Transfers to come?

With frontline additions now complete, United's attention could turn to midfield. Players may need to be sold to facilitate a significant move but Amorim will have received a reminder that he still requires more depth.

It wasn't too long before Casemiro established that a midfield combination with Bruno Fernandes is not the ideal make-up for the Portuguese coach. The Brazilian looked a little slow for the intensity awaiting in the Premier League and when he lost the ball on the edge of the box it was clear United fans were not convinced.

Perhaps Rasmus Hojlund could be a player to help free up some cash. The Dane wanted to remain at Old Trafford but a potential move to AC Milan could be gathering pace.

A loan with an option to sign Hojlund looks to be on the table, though the foorward is said to be reluctant to make a temporary move. Playing time was not high on the agend for the attacker however and he did not make it on to the pitch having being named among the substitutes.

Are United ready?

Manchester United's transfer business and pre-season performances have perhaps offered some enthusiasm for the new Premier League campaign. Amorim has already suggested he can see a difference in his side.

“I can feel the improvements in the environment now that the right details are in place to help us all to be better," he wrote in his programme notes. "The players we worked with last season are looking stronger, and we have made some important additions to the squad."

Leaving two players free from a corner to go behind at home was not a sign that all the details were complete however. There were flashes of creativity and talent in United's forward play but to suggest it was always convincing would be a stretch.

Fiorentina certainly are not Arsenal but the Gunners may leave more room. There are still questions for United to answer before being confident they have fixed last season's issues.

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