The much-anticipated pre-season clash between Manchester United and Leeds United may have finished goalless, but Hollywood actor Will Ferrell managed to steal the spotlight in Stockholm with a heartwarming gesture that delighted fans.
While the on-field action between Manchester United and Leeds United ended in a cagey 0-0 draw, the real buzz in Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena came from the VIP section — where actor and comedian Will Ferrell made a surprise appearance.
The Anchorman and Elf star, who is known for his love of football and occasional club ownership involvement in the MLS, was spotted during the first half of the match, donning a T-shirt that instantly drew attention. The shirt read: “I ❤️ Gnesta”, a touching nod to a small town in Sweden — and to his family.
Ferrell, ever the showman, proudly pointed to the shirt when the MUTV cameras caught him on screen. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, with many fans standing to salute the beloved actor’s thoughtful tribute.
Why Gnesta?
Ferrell’s connection to Sweden runs deeper than many realize. His wife, Viveca Paulin, is Swedish, and the couple, who share three children, frequently visit the Scandinavian nation. They own a summer residence near Gnesta, a town located in Södermanland County, which made his T-shirt both playful and deeply personal.
The moment was a fan-favourite on social media, with Ferrell once again proving that his comedic timing and genuine love for football transcend borders.
On the pitch, Manchester United and Leeds played out a fairly uneventful 0-0 draw. Teenage striker Chido Obi nearly opened the scoring with a curling effort, while veteran Casemiro rattled the crossbar late in the first half. But genuine chances were few and far between, with both managers using the game primarily to assess fitness and squad rotation.
- Leeds United will next face La Liga outfit Villarreal on August 2 as they continue their pre-season preparations.
- Manchester United, under new boss Ruben Amorim, now travel to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series, where they’ll take on West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton.
While the scoreboard stayed blank, Will Ferrell’s surprise appearance—and his affectionate nod to Sweden—provided a memorable highlight for fans in Stockholm. It was a reminder that even in football, sometimes the most heartwarming moments come off the pitch.
