Andrea Pirlo Leads United FC to a Victorious Start in His Official Debut

United FC kicked off the 2025/2026 season with an unforgettable 2–0 victory over Al Ittifaq FC on September 14 at 5:40 pm in the President’s Cup. This match was much more than the opening of a new campaign — it was the first official game under legendary Italian coach Andrea Pirlo, who began his new chapter with United FC in perfect fashion.

All eyes were on Andrea Pirlo as he led United FC onto the pitch for the first time in an official match. Known worldwide for his calm leadership and elegant style of football, Pirlo brought both confidence and fresh ideas to the team. His tactical influence was evident from the opening minutes: United FC pressed aggressively, controlled possession, and created multiple opportunities.

Although the first half ended 0–0, Pirlo’s calm presence and in-game adjustments kept the players focused and patient. The team’s balance and structure reflected the hallmark of his coaching vision — a strong defense paired with creative attacking play.

This memorable night also saw official debuts for Inayat Noor, Hamid Yahya, Tareq Ahmed, Hussain Abbas, Gustavo Oliveira, Cedrick Nana, and Haris Seferovic, who all played important roles in the victory.

The breakthrough came in dramatic fashion. In the 91st minute, Gustavo Oliveira, one of Pirlo’s key summer signings, marked his debut with a stunning long-distance strike, sending United FC fans into celebration. Minutes later, Brahima Ouattara earned a foul inside the box, and confidently converted the 97th-minute penalty, sealing a 2–0 win and a perfect start to the new era.

This victory was not just about advancing in the President’s Cup — it was a statement of intent. Andrea Pirlo’s debut demonstrated that United FC is ready to compete at the highest level, combining tactical discipline with attacking flair. The winning start sets a strong foundation for what promises to be an exciting season under his guidance.

With this inspiring result, United FC moves forward in the President’s Cup and now turns attention to the First Division League UAEFA. The next official match will be against Al Dhaid FC on September 20.

Let’s continue to back Andrea Pirlo and our team as we build on this fantastic start. Thank you to all fans for the incredible support — see you at the next match!

We are United! We are Family! We develop Class!