Manchester United’s first of five pre-season fixtures ended in a goalless draw as Rúben Amorim’s men failed to break down Premier League rivals Leeds United in Stockholm, Sweden.
Manchester United kicked off their 2025 pre-season schedule with a clash against Premier League rivals Leeds United in Stockholm, Sweden, as new signings Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon made their unofficial debuts.
The tie started with Rúben Amorim’s men facing a few onslaughts from Leeds, but as time went on, they gained control of the game. A few half-chances fell to striker Chido Obi, while Cunha looked bright, and the majority of players looked to play forward, although there was no breakthrough before the half-time whistle went.
Amorim made wholesale changes in the second half, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu entering the field of play.
Although United looked much more controlled in the second 45 minutes, Leeds also started to grow into the fixture. Amorim’s had a flurry of chances toward the end of the fixture, but to no avail as the two Premier League teams played out a 0-0 draw.
#1 – Positive debuts for Cunha and Leon
While it was no surprise to see Cunha on the teamsheet as the Reds lined up on Saturday afternoon, it was a welcome decision to see 18-year-old Leon alongside him.
Before kick-off, Amorim explained he wanted to see if Cunha “understood” his position and instructions, and although he had to be guided on where to be off the ball on a few occasions, he looked positive on the ball as the half went on.
Leon was a great surprise on the left flank. The young Paraguan got immediately stuck into the action both in defence and attack, and looked well accustomed to English football during his opening minutes as a Red.
#2 – Plenty of off-the-ball movement
What was nice to see in the first half was how often United’s players moved off the ball. In the last campaign, it felt as if the players were too static and reactionary, rather than being proactive on the pitch.
While it’s expected that the players won’t be at their sharpest, it was also good to see both wing-back pairings pushing up the field to be in line with the midfielders, rather than the back three, which was a major criticism last campaign.
In the second half, United seemed much calmer, in part due to Yoro, Harry Maguire, and Ayden Heaven being at the back, all of whom have excellent on-the-ball abilities.
If Amorim can combine the calmness of the second half with the movement of the first, this will go a long way to improving the performance next season
#3 – Amorim giving no starting XI hints away
The next four weeks will be pivotal for Amorim concerning who will start when the club line up against Arsenal during the opening weekend of the coming Premier League season.
Whereas some managers prefer to start a strong team in the first half of pre-season games with second-string players in the second half, Amorim gave no hints away against Leeds, playing a mixed team across the 90-minute fixture.
While it’s a given that those like Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, and Amad will start against Arsenal next month, there are plenty of places up for grabs in defence, midfield, and attack.
#4 – United looked more settled in the second half
With a new XI introduced for the second half, it must be said that Amorim’s side looked much more settled in possession, with Mainoo, Yoro, and Heaven much more comfortable on the ball than those in the first half.
Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United vs Leeds (Pre-Season)
Mainoo looked particularly sharp, which is no surprise considering the conditioning work and training he undertook during his summer holidays, and has undoubtedly improved on his passing in the last month or so.
As well, 19-year-old centre-back Yoro was pinging some “insane” passes from the back line toward the front three and midfield two – a trait Amorim will no doubt appreciate for the forthcoming campaign.
#5 – Goalscoring touch needs to improve
Toward the end of the second half, United’s flurry of goalscoring chances was entertaining, but could be a little worrying.
It was a significant issue last season, and the signings of Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo should negate this going forward, but those on the pitch must train themselves to be better in front of the goal going forward.
Overall, although the display was lethargic at points, individual good performances and flashes of good team play are positives for Amorim to take to the United States.
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