Manchester United wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina at Old Trafford in their first match since winning the Summer Series out in the United States.
Things didn’t start in the best of fashion when Simon Sohm poked in from close range following a United defensive mix-up from a corner, but Leny Yoro and Casemiro combined to ensure Robin Gosens headed into his own net before half time to square things up.
It came one a day that saw United first announce the signing of and then present Benjamin Sesko to the Red Devils fans, with fellow new signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon also presented.
Ruben Amorim’s men will kick off their Premier League campaign against Arsenal next Sunday, giving them a week to prepare for the start of competitive football.
For now, though, Amorim has another game to ponder over as he tries to get things right for the big day.
Here, Daily Mail Sport’s Lewis Browning reveals five things he learned from this Saturday afternoon fixture at Old Trafford.
Manchester United presented their new signings at Old Trafford ahead of their final friendly against Fiorentina
Benjamin Sesko’s arrival was confirmed on Saturday morning before he walked out onto the Old Trafford turf
Sesko hype is real
Manchester United have been crying out for a striker for a while now, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee just not cutting it.
They will be confident that the hunt is over following the £74million arrival of Sesko on Saturday morning. Despite not being in action here, he will be the starting striker of choice when he’s up to speed.
United summer signings were unveiled before kick-off, with Mbeumo, Cunha and Leon all receiving loud cheers as they made their ways out onto the pitch. The loudest reception, though, was reserved for Sesko, who came out last in his United tracksuit.
It feels a while since United fans have been so excited about a signing. Now he just has to live up to the hype.
Hojlund future looking bleak
The arrival of Sesko, meanwhile, all but spells the end of Rasmus Hojlund’s short Manchester United career.
Though he was thrown in as a regular starter a little earlier than he and United would have hoped, Hojlund sank rather than swam and United are now looking to ship him out, whether that’s on loan or permanently.
Amorim again opted to start without him for the Fiorentina game, with Mason Mount – who impressed with his pressing – instead starting up front. In fact, Hojlund didn’t even come on. Hojlund – who is, in theory, a similar mould to Sesko, had to settle for the bench, and that’s where he stayed.
The reality is that 26 goals in 95 games as Manchester United’s no 9 isn’t good enough, but he could well go onto be a success elsewhere. What could have been.
Rasmus Hojlund’s future at Manchester United is looking bleak following the arrival of Sesko
The forward was a substitute against Fiorentina, with Mason Mount instead starting up front
Dorgu an outlet too
There’s been a lot of hype in Manchester United circles about Amad Diallo playing right wing back. The 23-year-old is arguably the club’s most exciting attacker and playing at wing back in a bid to provide that width with the two no 10s in the team.
But the man tasked with doing that on the other side, Patrick Dorgu, could be equally as exciting this season. Dorgu joined in January for £29.4m and showed signs of his abilities last season, but this campaign could be the one where he really kicks on.
With a pre-season under his belt, Amorim has had the chance to embed his ideas into his team and we’ve seen that in this pre-season. First choice on the left, Dorgu will play a key role, just like Amad.
The 20-year-old likes to attack and, if the ball is forward, he will be too. He possesses raw pace and won’t just go down the outside but is comfortable coming inside too and occupying central positions – so don’t be surprised to see him pop up with a goal or two too.
Mbeumo starting to settle
United’s £71m summer signing Mbeumo didn’t exactly set the world alight in his first pre-season friendly, which saw him play the first half against Everton out in the States.
But he continues to get sharper and looked much more settled here. Remember, this 10 role is somewhat new to him – he was either a right winger or central striker in a partnership at Brentford.
He put in a couple of wicked deliveries in the first half, and was extremely comfortable drifting in from the right to create or show good pace, causing Fiorentina players to double up on him at times and provide space for the likes of Cunha and Fernandes.
He’s probably not fully fit, either, so he will only get better as time goes on. Looks a solid investment.
Bryan Mbeumo was much more impressive in his second game as a Manchester United player
Patrick Dorgu, meanwhile, continues to provide an outlet on the left side of their attack
A midfielder is now a priority for United, with the club being linked to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba
Mason Mount shone against Fiorentina and should be starting against Arsenal next week
Midfielder a priority
Sesko’s signing has left fans wondering where United will look for their next signing and it is quickly becoming evident that a central midfielder is going to be a priority.
Bruno Fernandes will play in the midfield pivot more often than not now – no need to worry about his creativity being limited from deeper, by the way – but he needs a partner.
Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro can do it, but United will be keen for a step up from that. Kobbie Mainoo could fill the role, but it seems Amorim sees his future in a more advanced role.
Reports have linked United with Carlos Baleba of Brighton, but he would cost well north of £100m. Show us the money, Sir Jim…
Mount has to start
One man who has been somewhat forgotten in the midst of all these signings is Mount. The attacking midfielder looks to finally have put his injury problems behind him, and, if he can find anything close to his Chelsea form, he will be a huge asset.
United are now majorly stocked in the 10 position. Mbeumo and Cunha will be first choice, but Mount can’t be forgotten, and should probably start against Arsenal.
Whether Amorim sees it that way remains to be seen, but let’s not forget that United do still have some talent in their ranks from last season’s squad.
