Man United vs Fiorentina: 2025/26 Pre-season friendly match preview, prediction
Manchester United midfielder, Bruno Fernandes with Fiorentina goalie, David De Gea. Photo Credit- Timelore/YouTube
The 2025/26 pre-season concludes with a blockbuster clash as Manchester United host Fiorentina in the Snapdragon Cup at Old Trafford on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with a 12:45 PM BST kick-off. This final warm-up before the Premier League and Serie A campaigns offers both teams a chance to fine-tune their strategies and showcase new signings. With United aiming to rebound from a disappointing 2024/25 season and Fiorentina building on their UEFA Conference League qualification, this match promises intensity and intrigue. This piece is set to explore both clubs’ performances, tactics, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and predict the scoreline.
Manchester United team performance
The Red Devils, under new manager Ruben Amorim, are in the midst of a rebuild following a challenging 2024/25 season, where they finished 15th in the Premier League with 42 points and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham. Their pre-season campaign, part of Tour 2025 presented by Snapdragon, has been a mixed bag but shows promise. United started with a 0-0 draw against Leeds United in Stockholm, followed by a US-based Premier League Summer Series, where they defeated West Ham (2-0), Bournemouth (4-1), and drew with Everton (2-2). Their attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Bruno Fernandes looked dangerous, though defensive errors persisted. With a tough Premier League opening against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea, this match is crucial for momentum.
Man United tactical breakdown
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation emphasizes wing-back dynamism and high pressing, with Amad Diallo excelling at right wing-back and new signing Diego Leon offering versatility on the left. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, signed from Wolves and Brentford, respectively, add pace and flair alongside Bruno Fernandes, who scored United’s first pre-season goal from a penalty against West Ham. However, defensive lapses, as seen in the Everton draw, remain a concern, with Amorim aiming to tighten the backline led by Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. United’s strategy will likely involve pressing Fiorentina’s midfield to disrupt their rhythm and exploiting wide areas, though their high line could be vulnerable to counters.
Man United team news and injuries
First-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana is doubtful, having missed the entire pre-season with a hamstring injury but aiming to return for the Premier League opener. Noussair Mazraoui is likely to miss out due to a muscular injury sustained before the Bournemouth and Everton matches. Lisandro Martinez, recovering from an ACL injury, and Joshua Zirkzee, back from a minor niggle, are expected to feature, though cautiously. New signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego Leon are set to play, with Cunha and Mbeumo forming a potent attacking trio with Bruno Fernandes. Young full-back Diego Leon could start, bringing energy to the left flank. Amad Diallo’s pre-season form at wing-back adds dynamism. Harry Maguire, a vocal leader, will anchor the defense alongside Matthijs de Ligt.
Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Heaton; Maguire, Martinez, De Ligt; Diallo, Mainoo, Fernandes, Leon; Mbeumo, Cunha, Zirkzee.
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Fiorentina team form
La Viola finished sixth in Serie A last season, securing UEFA Europa League qualification. Their pre-season has been competitive, with fixtures against English sides Leicester City and Nottingham Forest. Fiorentina’s campaign has been bolstered by the experience of former United goalkeeper David De Gea, who joined in 2024, and a squad blending veterans like Giacomo Bonaventura with young talents like Moise Kean. Their consistent scoring (1.88 goals per match in 2024/25) and high percentage of matches with over 1.5 goals (77.42% away) suggest an attacking threat, though defensive solidity remains a work in progress.
Fiorentina tactics
Under manager Raffaele Palladino, Fiorentina typically deploys a 4-2-3-1, balancing defensive structure with attacking fluidity. Their pre-season has focused on integrating new signings like Amir Richardson while relying on experienced players like Bonaventura and Nicolas Gonzalez. David De Gea’s presence in goal provides stability, but the absence of forward Christian Kouame forces reliance on Moise Kean and Lucas Beltran up top. Fiorentina’s high-scoring away games (61.29% over 2.5 goals) suggest an aggressive approach, targeting United’s defensive weakness with quick transitions and set-piece threats. Expect La Viola to control possession and exploit spaces left by United’s wing-backs.
Fiorentina team news and injuries
Forward Christian Kouame is the only confirmed absentee, sidelined until November with a cruciate ligament injury. David De Gea, returning to Old Trafford after 2 years without United, is expected to start in goal, adding emotional weight to the fixture. New signing Amir Richardson strengthens the midfield, while Gonzalez and Kean lead the attack. Michael Kayode’s pace at right-back will test United’s left flank. Over 50,000 tickets have been sold, promising a vibrant atmosphere.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Kayode, Milenković, Ranieri, Biraghi; Richardson, Bonaventura; Gonzalez, Beltran, Sottil; Kean.
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Manchester United vs Fiorentina head-to-head statistics
Manchester United and Fiorentina have met twice, both in the 1999/2000 UEFA Champions League group stage: With two matches played, United and Fiorentina have each secured one victory with no draws. Both teams averaged 3.00 goals per match in these encounters. Connections through players like David De Gea and Sofyan Amrabat (on loan at United in 2023/24) add intrigue. The 3-1 United win at Old Trafford remains the benchmark, though Fiorentina’s recent Serie A form suggests they can compete.
Manchester United vs Fiorentina score prediction
Manchester United’s pre-season form, bolstered by new signings Cunha, Mbeumo, and Leon, gives them a slight edge. Their attacking output (2.00 goals per match in pre-season) and home advantage at Old Trafford, with over 50,000 fans, tilt the scales. Fiorentina’s attacking threat (1.88 goals per match) and De Gea’s familiarity with United could keep it close, but Kouamé’s absence limits their depth. United’s defensive vulnerabilities, as seen against Everton, may allow Fiorentina to score, but Amorim’s side should capitalize on their high press and home support. The Standard predicts a 2-0 United win, but a tighter contest seems likely given Fiorentina’s competitiveness.
