Man Utd Stars Falter as Red Devils Battle to Frustrating 1-1 Stalemate Against Fiorentina

Manchester United struggled through a challenging match at Old Trafford, settling for a 1-1 stalemate with Fiorentina in Saturday's preseason encounter.

Optimism was evident after new acquisition Benjamin Šeško was introduced to the supporters prior to kickoff, but United began tentatively and fell behind within eight minutes of play.

Defensive lapses from a set piece allowed Simon Sohm ample space at the far post, where the Fiorentina player coolly slotted his team into the lead.

A fortunate own goal from Robin Gosens, who might have avoided embarrassment with VAR assistance, leveled the score near the half-hour point, and only a brilliant stop from ex-United goalkeeper David De Gea kept Leny Yoro from heading his team in front before halftime.

Sohm rattled the crossbar early after the restart as United again suffered from a sluggish beginning, requiring until the match's closing 10 minutes to create genuine threats against De Gea's goal.

Desperate defensive interventions thwarted Matheus Cunha's attempts, while United's former shot-stopper once more turned away a Yoro header. De Gea received an opportunity for a farewell ovation when substituted minutes before full-time, concluding what proved a disappointing encounter for United.

A spot-kick competition decided the outcome. Bruno Fernandes, Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo all converted their attempts before Altay Bayındır made the day's first save, enabling Kobbie Mainoo to step forward and clinch victory.

Man Utd Player Ratings vs. Fiorentina (3-4-2-1)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

Subs not used: Dermot Mee (GK), Tom Heaton (GK), Diego León, Tyler Fredricson, Toby Collyer, Chido Obi, Rasmus Højlund.

Player of the Match: Simon Sohm (Fiorentina)