Manchester United take on Fiorentina in the final match of pre-season at Old Trafford.United fans will be eagerly anticipating seeing their new-look team ahead of the season opener against Arsenal nex...
Manchester United take on Fiorentina in the final match of pre-season at Old Trafford.
United fans will be eagerly anticipating seeing their new-look team ahead of the season opener against Arsenal next weekend.
The Red Devils plan to show off their new summer signings in front of the crowd, including Benjamin Sesko where he is expected to be presented at the famous old stadium.
Here are three things to look forward to before the match.
David de Gea return
The biggest storyline is certainly De Gea’s return to Old Trafford.
The Spanish keeper played 12 seasons at United before being released in the summer of 2023.
United have had no luck replacing him as Andre Onana has struggled and De Gea has gone on to be quite successful for Fiorentina.
It has already been announced that captain Bruno Fernandes will make a presentation to De Gea at the beginning of the match to mark his time at United.
It will be an emotional moment for the club as owing to the nature of his departure, the Old Trafford crowd did not get an opportunity to say goodbye to him in 2023.
Fixture record
The Red Devils have only ever played Fiorentina twice, during the 1999/2000 season.
They played them in the second group stage of the Champions League, losing and winning one.
United were beaten 2-0 in Florence by two strikes from Gabriel Batistuta and Abel Balbo.
The Red Devils roared back though to win the second match 3-1 at Old Trafford after goals from Dwight Yorke, Roy Keane and Andy Cole.
The match is most famous though for an absolute wonder strike by Batistuta that left Mark Bosnich clawing at thin air.
Pre-season record at Old Trafford
Whilst United have toured different continents as part of their summer preparations, they usually always play a match at their home ground before the season starts.
They did not play one last season owing to the fact they played the Community Shield but in 2023 they faced off against RC Lens, winning 3-1.
United also drew against Rayo Vallecano 1-1 in 2022 and they beat Everton 4-0 in 2021.
Ruben Amorim will hope for another upbeat result to keep the momentum high for the season opener next Sunday.
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Category: General Sports
