Manchester United Edge Fiorentina in Penalty Thriller to Lift Snapdragon Cup 2025
August 10, 2025
Manchester De Gea’s Old Trafford Return, New Signings Shine, and a Nerve-Shredding Shootout Seals the Win
Final Score (Regulation Time): 1-1
Penalty Shootout: Manchester United win 5-4, clinching the Snapdragon Cup
Date: August 9, 2025
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Manchester United ended their pre-season with a bang – and a shiny new trophy after a heart-pounding 1-1 draw and 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Fiorentina in the Snapdragon Cup 2025 final.
It was a night packed with drama: an emotional Old Trafford homecoming for David de Gea, a sneak peek at United’s fresh attacking talent, and a nerve-jangling shootout that had fans on the edge of their seats until Kobbie Mainoo coolly struck the winning penalty.
The Match: Fast Start, Fierce Fightback
The game kicked off at a frantic pace. Fiorentina stunned the home crowd in the 8th minute when Simon Sohm punished United’s sloppy corner defending with a sharp finish.
But the Red Devils roared back. In the 25th minute, Bruno Fernandes whipped in a dangerous cross that forced Robin Gosens into scoring an own goal, sending Old Trafford into a frenzy.
From there, United controlled the game with over 60% possession and a flurry of chances – but found De Gea in vintage form, denying them time and again.
Manchester United De Gea’s Emotional Return
This was more than just another pre-season match for De Gea. The former United legend, now in Fiorentina colors, walked out to thunderous applause from all corners of Old Trafford. His every save drew respectful cheers, a reminder of the bond he shares with the fans after 12 years of service.
The Shootout: Nerves of Steel
With the game tied at full-time, the Snapdragon Cup came down to spot kicks. Both teams held their nerve through the first four penalties.
Then came the turning point – Altay Bayındır guessed right to deny Fabiano Parisi. Up stepped 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who buried his shot with ice-cold precision to seal the 5-4 shootout win.
Key Takeaways for United Fans
- New Blood, Fresh Energy: Šeško, Cunha, Mbeumo, and Diego León all showed flashes of brilliance that hint at a more dynamic attack this season.
- Old Problems Linger: Set-piece defending remains shaky – a concern before the Premier League opener.
- Winning Mentality: Even in pre-season, United’s hunger for silverware shone through.
Match Stats
| Stat | Man United | Fiorentina |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 60% | 40% |
| Shots | 15 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 3 |
| Corners | 7 | 4 |
| Fouls | 9 | 12 |
Amorim’s Verdict
“We showed quality and resilience, but there’s still work to do. We’ll get sharper with time.”
— Ruben Amorim, Manchester United Manager
What’s Next for Manchester ?
The Snapdragon Cup may just be a pre-season trophy, but it’s a confidence booster for United heading into the Premier League kick-off. With new signings bedding in and De Gea’s emotional farewell behind them, the Red Devils now turn their focus to competitive action and maybe, just maybe, a season to remember.
Final Score: Manchester United 1-1 Fiorentina (United win 5-4 on penalties)
Goal Scorers:
- Fiorentina: Simon Sohm (8’)
- Manchester United: Robin Gosens (OG, 25’)
