Manchester United’s first pre-season clash against rivals Leeds is approaching and there will be some talented youth players involved.
After returning to training earlier this month, Manchester United are set to begin their pre-season campaign with a showdown against Leeds in Stockholm, Sweden.
After a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season, the club has arranged a demanding pre-season fixture list in preparation for the 2025/26 campaign. This includes matches against four Premier League sides and a home clash at Old Trafford against Fiorentina.
Following the Leeds encounter, United will head to the United States to face West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton as part of the Premier League Summer Series.
Fans will be especially excited for the Leeds match, which could feature the first appearances of new signings Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon as well as the inclusion of several exciting talents.
Two United Academy stars spotted in training
With the Reds into their second week of pre-season training, there have been a couple of new inclusions into Amorim’s squad ahead of the Leeds clash.
In the latest video uploaded on the club’s website, the squad were working hard in the gym and Sekou Kone was among those in the group.
Kone had not been spotted in any of the sessions within the opening week but is clearly back in contention and could be included to play against Leeds after impressing during the post-season tour.
That video also briefly showed Jack Fletcher on the bikes with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu.
Fletcher, like Kone, appeared on the bench for the first-team several times last season. He is likely viewed as someone who can play in one of the no.10 positions.
With both of the talented midfielders involved with the first-team this week, it seems like they might both be set to get a chance in this friendly against Leeds.
Mbeumo won’t be facing Leeds as deal stalled
Many fans were hoping to be able to see Bryan Mbeumo also play in this upcoming fixture but a deal for the Brentford star is still yet to be struck.
It is now being claimed by the Guardian that the London-based club are asking for £70 million despite previously demanding £65 million for the forward.
Those in charge at Old Trafford do not want to bow down to these demands and are willing to act patiently as it is clear Mbeumo wants the move to happen.
Read More: Why Manchester United must make exciting star the Plan B for Bryan Mbeumo after scouting mission
That does make it seem unlikely he will be on the plane with Amorim’s squad heading to the United States for their pre-season tour, although it is still something United are working towards.
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