 |
|
Manchester United's pre-season continued with a penalty shootout victory over Fiorentina at Old Trafford, a match that served as a platform to introduce new signing Benjamin Sesko to the fans. The game itself ended in a 1-1 draw, showcasing both promising aspects of the team and areas that still require significant improvement before the Premier League season commences. The unveiling of Sesko, along with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, injected a sense of optimism into the stadium, coinciding with the completion of a £50 million revamp of the Carrington training ground, further fueling the feeling of renewal within the club. However, Fiorentina quickly punctured this burgeoning optimism when Simon Sohm capitalized on defensive errors to give the visitors an early lead from a corner kick. United responded in the first half, with Bruno Fernandes delivering a cross that Robin Gosens appeared to deflect over the line amidst a crowded penalty area. David de Gea, who received a pre-match honor from his former club, was among those who felt a foul had been committed. The second half saw further chances for both teams, with Sohm hitting the crossbar for Fiorentina and Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and Cunha all searching for a winner for United. A concerning moment arrived when young defender Ayden Heaven was forced off the field due to injury. Late in the game, De Gea received a standing ovation as he was substituted, preventing him from participating in the penalty shootout. Ultimately, Altay Bayindir's save from Fabiano Parisi's penalty allowed Kobbie Mainoo to secure the victory for Manchester United. Despite the win, the match highlighted a lack of fluidity in United's play compared to their earlier pre-season victory over Bournemouth. This suggests that integrating the new signings and solidifying the team's tactical approach will require further work before their Premier League opener against Arsenal. Coach Ruben Amorim acknowledged the difficulties faced during the match, particularly in the early stages of both halves, citing Fiorentina's mobility and United's struggle to press effectively. He also pointed to a lack of fluidity in their game and emphasized the need for improvement in various areas. The manager expressed optimism about the potential of Mbeumo and Cunha, suggesting they are currently operating at only a fraction of their full capacity and will improve significantly as the season progresses. However, Amorim also noted the team's struggle without a recognized striker, particularly in one-on-one situations across the pitch, further underscoring the importance of integrating Sesko into the squad. Sky Sports' Zinny Boswell highlighted Manchester United's clear need for a new striker, especially with Mason Mount initially playing in that role and Rasmus Hojlund on the bench. He noted that United's attacking threat mainly came from set-pieces and that their goal might have been disallowed with VAR in use. While Boswell acknowledged that Sesko's arrival would address the striker issue, he also raised concerns about United's midfield, stating that Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were unable to dominate the game and that the team's play was disjointed. Boswell suggested that midfield reinforcement should be a priority for Amorim in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, mentioning an interest in Carlos Baleba, although a deal seems unlikely due to Brighton's high asking price and their lack of a replacement. Ultimately, the article paints a picture of a Manchester United team undergoing significant change and still in the process of finding its rhythm. The arrival of new players has brought excitement and optimism, but the pre-season match against Fiorentina revealed both the potential and the remaining challenges facing the team as they prepare for the start of the Premier League season.
The analysis provided by Sky Sports highlights the crucial aspects that need immediate attention. The midfield, in particular, is an area of concern. While Bruno Fernandes is a creative force, his partnership with Casemiro requires fine-tuning to achieve dominance in crucial midfield battles. The article subtly alludes to a lack of defensive cover offered by the midfield, leaving the defense exposed during counter-attacks. The mention of Carlos Baleba highlights the type of player the team requires – someone who can shield the defense, win back possession, and provide a platform for the creative players to flourish. The absence of a reliable striker was evident during the match. Mason Mount's deployment in that position was a temporary measure, highlighting the lack of depth in the striking department. Sesko's arrival is expected to address this issue, but it remains to be seen how quickly he can adapt to the Premier League and integrate into the team's style of play. The team's reliance on set-pieces for goals indicates a lack of creativity in open play. While set-pieces are a valuable asset, they should not be the primary source of goals. The team needs to develop more fluid attacking patterns and create more chances from open play. The defense, although relatively solid, showed signs of vulnerability. Simon Sohm's goal was a result of defensive errors, highlighting the need for better communication and organization at the back. The injury to Ayden Heaven is a concern, as it further reduces the team's defensive options. The team needs to strengthen its defensive depth to cope with injuries and suspensions throughout the season.
The broader context of this match extends beyond just a pre-season friendly. It represents a crucial phase in Manchester United's evolution under their new manager. The influx of new players, the revamped training ground, and the renewed sense of optimism all contribute to a feeling of change. However, change takes time, and the team is still in the process of adapting to a new system and building chemistry. The pre-season matches are vital for identifying weaknesses, experimenting with different formations, and integrating new players into the squad. The match against Fiorentina served as a valuable learning experience, highlighting the areas that need improvement and providing the manager with valuable insights into his team's strengths and weaknesses. The Premier League season is just around the corner, and Manchester United faces a tough opening fixture against Arsenal. The team needs to address the identified weaknesses and fine-tune its preparations to be ready for the challenges ahead. The fans will be expecting a strong performance, and the team needs to deliver. The success of this season will depend on the team's ability to integrate the new signings, improve its midfield performance, and develop a more fluid attacking style. The manager faces a daunting task, but he has the resources and the talent to achieve success. The match against Fiorentina was just one step in the long journey, but it provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The team needs to learn from its mistakes and continue to improve if it wants to compete for the Premier League title. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the team's destiny and determining whether it can live up to the high expectations of its fans.