Man Utd ratings: Mbeumo eases pressure on Fernandes but Cunha lacks sharpness

BRYAN MBEUMO showed fans what they’ve been missing as Manchester United beat Fiorentina 5-4 on penalties in their final pre-season friendly.

United were a mixed bag in their final summer warm-up game- and the only one at Old Trafford - before the start of the new season next Sunday.

65,000 fans turned out for the friendly but the Red Devils quickly saw themselves behind from a corner inside eight minutes when Simon Salomon Junor Sohm buried it from 12 yards after being left in no man's land.

Ruben Amorim’s side showed the same problems with defending corners, which didn't bode well with set-piece kings Arsenal arriving in eight days' time.

Casemiro celebrated like he scored but it was former Inter Milan star Robin Gosens’ headed own-goal that drew the home side level inside 25 minutes.

Amorim didn’t make any changes until the 72nd minute as United remain undefeated in pre-season after avoiding defeat during the US tour.

Legendary club keeper David de Gea was given a proper send-off from fans on his first return to Old Trafford since leaving in 2023.

United unveiled their four new signings but it was Benjamin Sesko - who was announced from RB Leipzig before kick-off - that got the loudest roar from fans.

And just so, as writing could be on the wall for Rasmus Hojlund after Mount started ahead of the Dane as a false No9.

But the feeling around Old Trafford feels more positive as Kobbie Mainoo’s penalty in the shootout won Amorim’s side the Snapdragon Cup.

Here's how SunSport's Manchester United Reporter Katherine Walsh rated the players...

Altay Bayindir - 6

Was disastrously let down by his defence, who left Salomon Junor Sohm with ACRES of space from 12 yards for his goal.

And that doesn’t send a strong message with Mikel Arteta’s corner masters arriving next weekend.

But his strong hand avoided defeat in the 86th minute. And fans will need more of that with Bayindir set to start the season in goal as Andre Onana nurses a hamstring injury.

Harry Maguire - 5

Last season’s troubles back in action as United conceded from a corner within the first eight minutes.

He is supposed to be part of Amorim’s six-man leadership squad, but was prone to the same mistakes of not reading the game.

The England defender had the best first chance of the second half after being coaxed into shooting from distance by the crowd - echoes of the game where he turned into a winger against Athletic Club last season.

Ayden Heaven - 5

Part of a horrendous mix-up for the opener, jumped up, hiding behind Maguire as the cross flew over both of their heads.

Was on hand to block Junor Sohm’s shot after half-time.

Patrick Dorgu - 5

Two chances came from his side - first a cross that was headed over, then the goal from a corner he gave away.

Salomon Junor Sohm had the freedom of Manchester to bury home into the right post in the eighth minute.

The left-back is clearly physical but it often comes out as clumsiness as he bundles into players. His poor pass went into the path of Moise Kean in the box before full-time.

Leny Yoro - 6

Yoro is already a leader among the back-line, perhaps their most vocal force and the best cleaner-upper of midfield mistakes.

The teen will be a key aerial threat this season. Kept out by De Gea inside 30 minutes and twice in the second-half.

Amad Diallo - 7

This was friendly but it showed how hard Amad will have to work as a right-wing back this season.

The Ivorian international was up and down the flank and found Mbeumo at times, but the pair were getting mixed up in each other's space often.

Bruno Fernandes - 6

The stadium chanted his name as the teams walked out - thankful he didn’t take Saudi Arabia’s 100m offer.

A lot has been made about his position on the pitch next season after the arrival of the two No10s in Cunha and Mbeumo - and rightly so - but the skipper was everywhere again dishing out incredible passes.

Casemiro - 5

Sloppy mistakes handed Fiorentina chances. Fans thought he got the opener, he did have a hand in it, but the ball came off Robin Gosens for an own-goal.

Bizarrely scuffed a header in his own box to lay a chance on for Junor Sohm after half-time.

What does Kobbie Mainoo have to do to start these sorts of games?

Bryan Mbeumo - 8

Some really nice touches and link-up play with Amad, and is on set pieces from the right-hand side this season - not everything will fall on Fernandes.

Played a short ball to Amad, who crossed the ball for Yoro’s chance.

Had the crowd on their feet with an incredible bit of skill down the sideline.

Matheus Cunha - 7

United look dangerous when they play down the left, Cunha linked up brilliantly with Fernandes and Dorgu even if there’s teething problems.

Despite staying on longer than Mbuemo, the former Wolves man was largely outshone by the Cameroonian and wasn’t as sharp as expected.

Best move of the game nearly ended in a goal for Cunha as a huge block from one of two Fiorentina players threw their body in the way in the 80th minute.

Mason Mount - 7

Amorim loves Mount and he worked his socks off. Clearly has the right attitude and will play anywhere. Stuffed up a cross with a wide shot.

Mount will use this season to resurrect his England career under former boss Thomas Tuchel and he’s showing shadows of his former self.

Pressed and pressed all game.

SUBS

Matthijs De Ligt (Maguire 72) - 5

Kobbie Mainoo (Casemiro 72) - 6

Luke Shaw  (Heaven 72) - 5

Diogo Dalot (Mbeumo 72) - 5

Manuel Ugarte (Mount 83) - N/A