Manchester United Set to Welcome Back Key Stars and Unleash New Signing Cunha Against Leeds
Manchester United begin their preseason campaign with the first of five friendly matches on Saturday as they take on familiar foes Leeds United in Sweden.
The Red Devils are looking to bounce back in 2025–26 following their disappointing inaugural season under Ruben Amorim and will be keen to establish strong groundwork during preseason ahead of the Premier League's mid-August start.
Amorim will be missing a minimum of seven players for Saturday's encounter in Stockholm, with two sidelined through injury—André Onana and Lisandro Martínez—while five others have expressed their desire to depart the club. Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia will all be absent as they edge closer to Old Trafford departures.
Here's how Man Utd might set up against Leeds.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds (3-4-2-1)
GK: Altay Bayındır—With Onana injured, Bayındır will serve as Man Utd's preseason keeper unless new signings arrive. This presents a golden chance for him to gain vital confidence, especially with Onana potentially out until September.
CB: Leny Yoro—While Yoro's first season with the Red Devils wasn't perfect, he displayed promising moments despite challenging conditions. The previous campaign served as a harsh introduction for the 19-year-old, who will be hoping for more stability ahead.
CB: Harry Maguire—Maguire stood out as one of Man Utd's most reliable players last season and won back the trust of the Old Trafford supporters. He continues to be a vital component of the squad going into 2025–26.
CB: Ayden Heaven—Preseason gives Amorim the chance to evaluate his emerging talents, and Heaven has already caught the Portuguese coach's eye. He demonstrated flashes of his immense promise during the last campaign.
RWB: Diogo Dalot—Amorim has placed trust in fellow Portuguese Dalot, who consistently gives his all on the field. This level of commitment and effort is lacking in other areas of Man Utd's roster.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo—Following a remarkable breakthrough campaign, Mainoo faced greater challenges in 2024–25. Fitness issues and fragmented team performances hindered his progress, making the upcoming season pivotal for his trajectory.
CM: Manuel Ugarte—While Casemiro's resurgence provided some hope for Man Utd late last season, the Brazilian has now reached 33. The Ugarte-Mainoo combination should represent the Red Devils' midfield future.
LWB: Patrick Dorgu—Despite being thrust into action immediately upon arrival, Dorgu still demonstrated his capabilities as a dynamic wing-back. The Danish player suits Amorim's tactical approach ideally.
RF: Bruno Fernandes—After turning down Saudi Arabian offers this summer, Fernandes will again be relied upon to lead Man Utd's charge next season. He'll be hoping for additional creative support.
ST: Rasmus Højlund—Man Utd's search for striker alternatives following poor campaigns from both Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee is well-documented. The 22-year-old's Old Trafford prospects remain uncertain, though strong preseason displays could persuade Amorim of his worth.
LF: Matheus Cunha—Man Utd fans will be thrilled to see their £62.5 million summer acquisition Cunha make his bow, having impressed tremendously for Wolverhampton Wanderers last term. He should slot straight into the attack as the left inside forward.