At Old Trafford, Benjamin Sesco watched from the stands as Manchester United edged past Fiorentina in a penalty shootout, winning 5-4 after the game ended in a 1-1 draw during their final preseason match.
On Saturday morning, Sesco finalized a five-year contract with United, marking his transfer from RB Leipzig for a fee of €85 million (approximately $98.8 million).
He was introduced to the fans on the pitch before the match, alongside fellow summer signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego León, before United’s game ended in a draw, leading to the shootout.
Fiorentina took the lead in the eighth minute with a goal from Simon Sohm, who capitalized on a corner delivered by Albert Gudmunson.
Both Rennie Yoro and Patrick Dorgu struggled to find the ball, allowing Sohm open space at the back post, where he volleyed the ball past Altai Beyindil.
Midway through the first half, United equalized when Robin Gosens found the net, taking advantage of a mistake by a Fiorentina defender who mishandled the ball under pressure from Yoro and Casemiro.
Gosens attempted a free kick, but referee Sam Barrott dismissed his protests.
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United nearly took the lead moments later, with a cross from Mbemo met by Yolo on the right side.
The returning Spaniard, who rejoined the club after leaving in 2023, received a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd during the game.
However, Tommaso Martinelli missed a crucial opportunity, failing to convert any of United’s first four penalties in the shootout.
After Bay Indeal saved Fiorentina’s fifth attempt from Fabiano Parisi, Mine scored triumphantly in front of the Stretford End, ensuring United’s victory.
Fan Take: This match highlights Manchester United’s aggressive push to bolster their squad with significant investments like Sesco, showcasing their ambition in the transfer market. For soccer fans, these moves signal a competitive season ahead, raising excitement and expectations for what’s to come in both domestic and European competitions.
