Sesko’s debut can’t come soon enough as United struggle in front of goal

MANCHESTER UNITED paraded their new look £200 million strike force before kick-off.

But it needed an own goal for them to find a way past their former keeper David De Gea and spare their blushes in the final pre-season friendly.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo both started and showed signs of promise – while their most recent buy Benjamin Sesko watched on from the stands.

And Ruben Amorim said in his programme notes that United are already showing they are a ‘different team’ this pre-season.

There is certainly a different feel around the place to last term – but some of their old failings were evident again as their players drew a blank.

Meanwhile, there were some worrying moments at the back – not least when they left Simon Sohm completely unmarked at a corner, and the Swiss midfielder stroked home.

The Red Devils got over that early set-back – and almost replied instantly as Harry Maguire nodded over from a Bryan Mbuemo free-kick.

However, the home side did pull level just before the half hour as Bruno Fernandes sent over a corner that was nodded into his own net by Robin Gosens.

The German was under pressure from Casemiro and Leny Yoro and felt his shirt was being pulled – but the goal was allowed to stand.

United were now on the front foot and another centre from Mbeumo was met by the head of Yoro but De Gea made an acrobatic stop.

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After the break, United were fast asleep again as Sohm looped a header which bounced off Altay Bayindir’s bar.

Matheus Cunha fired a low shot from 25 yards that was deflected just wide before De Gea got down low again to keep out Maguire’s pile-driver.

Defender Ayden Heaven needed lengthy treatment and was unable to continue – which will be a worry ahead of next week’s Prem opener.

As the minutes ticked by, a low cross by Fernandes was met by Cunha but his shot was deflected over the bar.

De Gea had been given a special presentation by his old teammate Bruno Fernandes before kick-off in recognition of his 12 year stay.

And he was subbed shortly before the end here to ensure he finally got the send off he deserved from a crowd of more than 65000.

A penalty shoot-out was needed to decide who picked up the ‘Snapdragon Cup’ and keeper Altay Bayindir was the hero.

He saved well from Fabiano Parisi – with sub Kobbie Mainoo stroking home his kick to nick it.