Following a largely successful stateside tour, the Manchester United faithful will entertain Fiorentina for a final pre-season outing, with returning legend David de Gea set to steal much of the spotlight.
The 34-year-old shotstopper spent twelve years in the North West, playing his part in sealing five major honours for the club, including a 20th Premier League crown in 2013.
A capacity Old Trafford crowd will embrace his return after their side’s American ventures. Ruben Amorim’s men claimed the 2025 Premier League Summer Series title with victories over West Ham and Bournemouth, before playing out a 2-2 draw with Everton.
The 12:45 outing will present a final opportunity for exploratory measures ahead of a domestic opener against Arsenal the following weekend, with an overjoyed fanbase eagerly awaiting confirmation of Slovenian starlet Benjamin Sesko.
Fittingly, before a fifth and final pre-season test, United have confirmed they will honour De Gea’s time in Manchester with a pre-match presentation led by captain Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United ready and waiting for Fiorentina test
Having already welcomed three new faces to the field in Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, Amorim will be eager for the trio to make their Old Trafford bow in front of an expectant audience.
Naturally, with an emotional affair anticipated on Saturday, Bruno will look to play a significant part against his former Spanish teammate and friend after being voted the star performer in the United States.
Much has been made about the prospect of the club’s 88-year academy traditions being undone during the 2025-26 season. However, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fredricson, Bendito Mantato, and Ethan Williams all featured on our travels, with the quartet in line for additional minutes before the campaign begins.
Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee are working hard on their recoveries following unfortunate setbacks, and both have not given up hope of playing some part.
Unfortunately, Lisandro Martinez continues his rehabilitation following a horrific knee injury in February and is not quite ready for gametime.
Fiorentina have been busy during the summer, acquiring no less than eight players for their squad, including Edin Dzeko.
United will supply a third English test in seven days for Stefano Pioli. The Violets lost 2-0 at Leicester before playing out a stalemate with Nottingham Forest, with De Gea in goals for the latter.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (3-4-1-2): Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire; Amad, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dorgu; Bruno; Cunha, Mbeumo
Date: Saturday, August 9
Location: Old Trafford
Kick-off time: 12:45 BST
Will you be tuning in for our final pre-season fixture? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
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