Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim believes his side still have work to do despite ending pre-season with a win on penalties against Fiorentina.
United wrapped up their summer fixtures with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. The visitors struck early in the eighth minute, but the hosts were level soon after thanks to an own goal from Robin Gosens.
With no further goals in normal time, United triumphed in the shootout to lift the Snapdragon Cup.
Speaking to MUTV post-match, Amorim admitted the performance highlighted areas where the team must get better.
“Today was a tough match,” said Amorim. “It was important for us to take out the feeling of playing at Old Trafford. I think we had some difficulties, especially in the beginning of the first half, and in the beginning of the second half.
“They have a lot of mobility and we struggle to find the right moment to press. But then we controlled the game and I think we had a lack of fluidity in the game. We can do better.
“But I think it was a perfect game for preparation to show us we need to improve in different areas that we are going to struggle in some moments. But sometimes we have players who can make a play and elevate the stadium.”
New Boys Still Bedding in
United have strengthened significantly in the transfer window, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon.
Both Cunha and Mbeumo were in the starting line-up against the Italian side. Yet, Amorim feels there’s much more to come from his new signings.
“I think they are maybe 50 or 60 per cent of what they can do,” Amorim explained. “I think, like any other team, we are going to improve during the season and they are going to be so much better.
“In some moments, I felt we needed because of the one against ones, we struggled without a reference as a striker. We have a new player, so we’ll see.”
The Portuguese coach also hinted at healthy competition within the squad, urging players to earn their place for the Arsenal clash through performances in training.
“That is a good thing, it’s supposed to be like that, not like last season when we had to struggle to put 11 players on the pitch,” Amorim said.
“This is a normal thing, so I have to think and they need to fight during the week so they can change my mind. I have one idea, but they can change my mind during the week.
“It’s going to be tough [training before Arsenal]. We try to arrange a full week of training, so we’ll have two really strong sessions with time to work. Then we’ll break a little bit.”
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2025-08-09 18:27:07
