Manchester United's preparations for the 2025/26 season started with a wimper, as they played out a drab 0-0 draw against Leeds United in Stockholm.
New signing Matheus Cunha bright on debutHeaton forced into multiple saves in second halfKobbie Mainoo strikes the woodwork in dying embersFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE
This game will not live long in the annals of a storied rivalry between two clubs that despise each other. It seems neither set of players had built up enough fitness to reach the ferocity typically required of this 'derby'.
The first half in particular, was slow and methodical to say the least. United failed to impress any attacking pattern upon the game, with their starting front three of new signing Cunha and youngsters Toby Collyer and Chido Obi receiving little in the way of meaningful service. Cunha was the real lone bright spark for United, looking bright in his first full appearance for the club.
Casemiro came closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening 45, striking the bar after a cross-cum-shot looped off a lunging Leeds defender and struck the frame of the goal in the 41st minute.
Ruben Amorim switched his entire side to start the second half, and the Red Devils looked brighter for it. Diogo Dalot's introduction gave United more attacking focus, with the bulk of the play coming down their right flank.
Despite a higher pace, United were unable to fashion any meaningful chances, and it was Leeds who looked more likely to score. Tom Heaton was called on multiple times, making smart stops from efforts by Jaden Bogle and Largie Ramazani.
Again, the pace began to slow, as players were getting valuable minutes into their legs. Just as it seemed the game was destined to peter out, Rasmus Hojlund flicked a corner across the Leeds goal. Mainoo's ensuing header hit the Leeds bar, sparking a goalmouth scramble that United somehow could not convert. That capped off a disappointing afternoon for a disjointed and undercooked Manchester United side.
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Perhaps the biggest indictment of United's lacklustre display, is that third-choice veteran keeper Tom Heatonmade the biggest impact. He made several smart stops in the second half; most notably his denial of Ramazani. The spread-eagled stop invoked the stylings of one Peter Schmeichel.
NEW FACES
Cunha was bright in his 45 minutes, picking the ball up from deep and driving at the Leeds defence at pace. Despite his ingenuity, the £62.5m man was unable to fashion any true chances for himself or his teammates. A solid enough start, nonetheless.
The newly-acquired left wing-back Diego Leon had little opportunity to impress himself upon the game, and saw the bulk of Leeds' attacks come down his side in the first 45 minutes. He will need some time to bed in.
ONES TO WATCH
Amorim gave a crop of young stars the opportunity to impress, with Collyer and Obi leading the line to start the preparations for the 2025/26 season. Obi had some half chances that were quickly snuffed out by a resolute Leeds defence, while Collyer struggled to impact the game.
Other academy prospects Jack Fletcher, Bendito Mantato and Tyler Fredricson also saw their numbers called in the second half, but none of the youngsters had a meaningful impact on the game.