The curtain has fallen on Manchester United’s 2024/25 preseason, and the time for talk is nearly over. A 1-1 draw against Fiorentina in the Snapdragon Cup brought an end to a summer filled with new signings, tactical reshuffles, and swirling optimism. But when the final whistle blew, what remained was a set of crucial preseason takeaways that will shape the tone of the new Premier League campaign under Ruben Amorim.
From issues in chance creation to the early promise of new faces like Bryan Mbeumo, the Reds have offered just enough for fans and analysts to begin drawing conclusions — or at least asking better questions.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the major preseason takeaways for Manchester United, backed by stats, tactical trends, and contextual analysis. Whether you’re a dedicated supporter, a football tactician, or an interested observer of United’s latest rebuild, these insights help frame what’s ahead.
Match Recap: Manchester United vs Fiorentina – A Tactical Exhibition
The final preseason match against Fiorentina had all the ingredients for a summer send-off: a home crowd, the emotional return of David De Gea, and a chance to test out Amorim’s evolving 3-4-3 shape. While United controlled large portions of the game — holding 61% possession and managing 14 total shots — the lack of cutting edge in the final third stood out.
A moment of miscommunication early in the match led to a sloppy goal for the Serie A side, but United equalized via an own goal forced by pressure on a corner. With Benjamin Sesko absent and a rotated midfield, the Reds lacked fluency in buildup and finish.
And that leads us to our first and perhaps most urgent takeaway…
Preseason Takeaways: The Big Picture
What do Manchester United’s preseason performances really tell us?
United’s record and performances this summer won’t show up in the Premier League table, but the warning signs are familiar. The team continues to struggle with chance creation, lacks a consistent presence at striker, and has yet to show that the touted culture shift under Amorim is more than talk.
That said, there are positives. The introduction of Bryan Mbeumo has injected much-needed balance on the right flank, and there’s a clear tactical vision beginning to take shape. However, vision and execution are two very different things.
Let’s break down the most critical preseason takeaways below.
Struggles in Chance Creation: Still a Concern
United dominate possession, but where are the goals?
One of the most glaring preseason takeaways is that Manchester United are once again controlling possession without creating high-quality chances. Against Fiorentina:
- Shots: 14
- Shots on Target: 5
- Top Shooter: Leny Yoro (2 shots on target – a defender)
- Forwards on Target: 1 (Cunha, from distance)
It’s concerning that defenders are generating more meaningful goal-scoring opportunities than the forwards. While Mason Mount showed flashes of quality in a central role, the lack of a natural striker was evident.
This issue isn’t new — United ranked 8th in the Premier League last season in expected goals (xG), and the early signs suggest that without immediate improvement, this could be a recurring theme.
Bryan Mbeumo Offers Hope at Right Wing
Could Mbeumo finally solve United’s decade-long right-sided dilemma?
Since Antonio Valencia transitioned to full-back, Manchester United have failed to establish a long-term answer at right wing. Names like Juan Mata, Jadon Sancho, and Antony have all tried — and faltered. But now, Bryan Mbeumo could be the answer.
Despite limited preseason minutes, Mbeumo has already shown:
- Strong positional sense – knowing when to stretch the pitch and when to cut inside
- Two-footed delivery – with 3 quality crosses in the Fiorentina match alone
- Natural chemistry – early signs of cohesion with Amad Diallo
At Brentford, Mbeumo averaged 2.1 key passes per game, and that creativity could be crucial for a United side that has lacked service from the flanks.
Amorim’s Tactical Identity: Vision vs. Execution
Is Amorim’s 3-4-3 working — or will it be exposed?
United’s switch to a 3-4-3 system under Ruben Amorim is bold. It requires fluidity, discipline, and well-drilled automatisms. But systems only work if the players do — and so far, execution is lagging behind intention.
Amorim wants a high-pressing, possession-based system with wing-backs overlapping and inside forwards drifting into goal-scoring areas. But:
- Fullbacks like Mykolenko lack quality in delivery
- Beto and Cunha aren’t linking effectively
- Midfield transitions are inconsistent
The 3-4-3 may suit the squad long-term, but without clinical finishing and dynamic width, it could make United toothless in attack.
The Striker Dilemma: Missing Piece or Systemic Problem?
Can Benjamin Sesko be the solution — or is the issue bigger?
United fans expected to see new striker Benjamin Sesko in preseason, but he missed the Fiorentina game. Without him, United relied on Mount and Cunha to rotate centrally, but neither offers a true No. 9 presence.
Key issues:
- Beto looks isolated and lacks confidence
- Matheus Cunha plays better as a second striker or wide forward
- Mount is a false nine at best — not a consistent goal threat
This has led to defenders taking more shots than the attacking line. That’s unsustainable. If Sesko doesn’t hit the ground running, the Reds could start slowly in the league.
Culture Shift: Still Just a Narrative?
Talk of “positivity” is cheap — where is the substance?
Throughout the summer, the narrative around Manchester United has focused on a cultural reset:
- Reduced dressing room toxicity
- Emphasis on youth and team-first mentality
- Tactical accountability under Amorim
But during the final two friendlies, body language told a different story. Frustrations spilled over. Sloppy errors re-emerged. The crowd murmured. The players looked uncertain.
Yes, it’s early. But culture shift requires evidence, not just press conference quotes.
Fixture Forecast: A Grueling Opening Test
United’s early Premier League schedule is not forgiving
Another critical preseason takeaway is the urgency required to get it right fast. United open the season with:
- Arsenal (A)
- Fulham (A)
- Burnley (H)
- Followed by Man City (A) and Chelsea (H) after the international break
That’s a brutal stretch. If United are still trying to “figure things out,” they may quickly find themselves chasing the table.
Tactical Concerns: Can Amorim Adapt?
Will Amorim evolve his system — or double down?
Ruben Amorim is a tactically astute manager, but one of the key preseason takeaways is the need for flexibility. If the 3-4-3 continues to struggle in chance creation, will he:
- Switch to a 4-2-3-1 to accommodate Mount and Sesko?
- Push Mbeumo and Amad higher to create a natural front three?
- Deploy an additional central midfielder to stabilize transitions?
Great systems adapt, and Amorim’s willingness to adjust could determine whether United’s campaign flourishes or falters.
Final Thoughts: Preseason Takeaways and What Comes Next
Preseason is never a perfect predictor, but patterns often emerge — and Manchester United’s preseason takeaways offer both concern and cautious optimism.
- The tactical blueprint is in place, but execution is lagging.
- New signings like Mbeumo offer promise, but the attack still lacks cutting edge.
- The culture shift is real in theory, but it must now show up on the pitch.
- Fixtures will test Amorim early, and adaptability will be crucial.
The talent is there. The coaching credentials are legitimate. But unless results follow quickly, the positivity of preseason will fade just as fast as it arrived.
FAQs
1. What was Manchester United’s preseason record?
United had a mixed preseason with a combination of wins, draws, and underwhelming performances — including a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina.
2. Who impressed most during preseason?
Bryan Mbeumo stood out with his creativity and versatility on the right wing.
3. What system is Ruben Amorim using?
Amorim primarily deployed a 3-4-3 system, focusing on possession and wide play.
4. Is Benjamin Sesko fit to start the season?
Sesko missed the Fiorentina match. His fitness and integration remain uncertain ahead of the season opener.
5. What are the main concerns heading into the season?
Lack of chance creation, striker uncertainty, and execution within the new tactical system are top concerns.
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