Man United vs Leeds Friendly: Four Key Battles That Could Define the Match
Manchester United and Leeds United are set to reignite their historic rivalry when they meet in their first preseason friendly of the summer in Stockholm this Saturday.
After two disappointing end-of-season showcase matches in May, the Red Devils are looking to finally find their rhythm under Ruben Amorim as they prepare for the 2025–26 campaign, and establishing a solid foundation during preseason will be crucial. Taking on fellow Premier League club Leeds will provide them with an essential test as they return to competitive action.
While friendly matches carry limited significance and neither fanbase will be overly worried about Saturday's outcome, supporters will be eager to witness positive displays from their teams in Sweden.
Here are four key aspects to watch during Saturday's encounter.
Matheus Cunha Debut
Man Utd have completed just one major acquisition this summer, bringing Matheus Cunha into their ranks through a £62.5 million transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Brazilian will make his unofficial bow for the Red Devils in Stockholm, with supporters anxious to see their club's new No. 10 in action.
Cunha is expected to feature for only part of the match as Amorim will likely rotate extensively throughout, but he will receive valuable playing time. He'll be keen to make an immediate impact wearing Man Utd's jersey and will relish the chance to net his inaugural goal for the Red Devils.
It will be fascinating to observe where Amorim positions Cunha in his attacking setup, with the 26-year-old expected to operate as one of the two inside forwards in the Portuguese coach's 3-4-2-1 system.
Summer signing Diego León could also make his debut, with the young Paraguayan having joined from Cerro Porteño.
Tactical Adjustments
Following a disastrous beginning to his Old Trafford reign, preseason offers the ideal chance for Amorim to implement tactical modifications. Should the Man Utd manager wish to explore new approaches, the upcoming friendlies against Premier League opposition—including fixtures with West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton after the Leeds clash—give him the perfect platform for experimentation.
While Amorim seems unlikely to abandon his favored 3-4-2-1 formation long-term, he will have chances to rotate players and make minor tactical adjustments to individual roles during Saturday's fixture. Man Utd supporters will be interested to see his team selection against the Yorkshire club.
Academy Talents
Man Utd possess numerous academy graduates ready to make their mark on Saturday, with preseason traditionally offering young players opportunities to excel. Harry Amass was among those who stood out last summer, earning seven first-team appearances during the previous campaign, with others hoping to emulate his success this time.
Jack Moorhouse, Shea Lacey, Godwill Kukonki and Jack Fletcher are among the prospects who might capture Amorim's attention against Leeds and in subsequent friendlies, while players such as Chido Obi and the previously mentioned Amass will look to further demonstrate their abilities to their manager after showing flashes of promise in 2024–25.
New Leeds Acquisitions
A post shared by Leeds United (@leedsunited)
Leeds have been more active than their traditional rivals this summer, having already secured four first-team reinforcements for their squad. Lukas Nmecha, acquired on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, will be looking to overshadow Cunha in attack, while three defensive additions are keen to make strong debut impressions.
Gabriel Gudmundsson has joined at left-back from Lille, while Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw have been brought in as new centre-backs as Daniel Farke seeks to strengthen his defensive line. The defensive trio will be determined to frustrate Man Utd on Saturday.