Manchester United kicked off their 2025/26 pre-season campaign with an uninspiring 0-0 draw against fierce rivals Leeds United in Stockholm. New manager Rúben Amorim watched his side struggle for rhythm and attacking cohesion, with new signing Matheus Cunha providing one of the few bright spots on a forgettable afternoon.
A Lukewarm Start to Amorim’s Tenure
There was little of the usual venom associated with United-Leeds clashes. Instead, the encounter unfolded at a pedestrian pace, more befitting an early pre-season fitness run-out than a clash between historic rivals.
Amorim’s starting XI featured a blend of experience and youth, with Cunha flanked by academy forwards Toby Collyer and Chido Obi. But United struggled to carve out opportunities in a tepid first half. Casemiro came closest, hitting the bar in the 41st minute after a deflected cross looped unexpectedly toward goal.
Cunha looked sharp in his debut, driving purposefully at defenders and linking play well in deep areas. While he couldn’t fashion any clear-cut chances, the £62.5m forward showed glimpses of his quality and hunger.
Second-Half Shake-Up Brings Slight Improvement
The second half saw Amorim field an entirely new XI, and the tempo lifted marginally. Diogo Dalot’s arrival added thrust down the right, but United still lacked the invention to break down a compact Leeds defense.
Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton emerged as United’s standout performer, producing several key saves—including a superb stop to deny Largie Ramazani. The 38-year-old’s reflexes and command kept United in the contest as Leeds grew stronger late on.
Kobbie Mainoo almost stole the win at the death, rattling the crossbar with a powerful header from a late corner. But a chaotic scramble in the box ultimately led nowhere, summing up a flat afternoon in front of goal.
Player Highlights
- MVP – Tom Heaton: The third-choice shot-stopper was United’s most reliable presence, rolling back the years with a series of impressive saves.
- New Signings:
- Matheus Cunha: Positive debut. Looked energetic and progressive in possession despite limited service.
- Diego Leon: Found it difficult defensively in the first half. Needs time to settle into Amorim’s system.
- Youngsters to Watch:
- Chido Obi showed sharp movement but lacked end product.
- Toby Collyer struggled to impose himself.
- Second-half cameos from Jack Fletcher, Bendito Mantato, and Tyler Fredricson were uneventful.
What’s Next for United?
Manchester United now head to the United States for the next leg of their pre-season tour. Matches against Premier League opponents West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton await—alongside the potential debut of their marquee summer signing.
United are expected to unveil Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo in the coming days, with the versatile forward reportedly joining for £71 million. The club will be hoping Mbeumo brings the creativity and spark clearly missing in Stockholm.
