Manchester United played out a goalless draw against Leeds United in their first Pre-season match at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm.
Following an uninspiring outcome of the final results, Softfootball brings to light five things you must have missed during the encounter.
Amorim had two different teams for 45 minutes each
It was a match where Manchester United manager, Reuben Amorim used two different teams for the two halves. The starting XI for the Red Devils looked like this.
Check below:
Bayindir; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Shaw; Casemiro, Cunha, Amad, Fernandes (captain), Collyer, Obi, Leon.
Confirmation of our second-half line-up in Stockholm 🤍💜
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025
At halftime, the whole team was changed as the manager ensured that everyone got some minutes.
Second half team:
Heaton, Heaven, Maguire, Yoro, Dalot, Dorgu, Mainoo, Ugarte, Mount, Mantato, Hojlund
Slow build-up
Manchester United were lethargic during the first 30minutes as Leeds swam at them like bees making it very difficult for them to pass out from the back. The midfield anchored by Casemiro didn’t help matters as the former Real Madrid star failed to go receive the ball forcing the goalkeeper, Bayindir to go loan and 90% of the time, the Red Devils lost possession.
Collyer played alongside Casemiro in the midfield double pivot but no creativity or bravery shown to get on the ball and drive the team forward.
Diego Leon lacks tactical awareness
Manchester United’s new signing, Diego Leon got a baptism of fire from a potential opponent in the premier league for next season. It was the first game for the 18-year-old powerhouse but he learnt quickly that power without tactical awareness is pointless.
Leon was up against Italian Wilfried Gnonto on the left flank and every time he appeared to be ball watching or late to a tackle as it wasn’t a good debut for the Paraguay defender. He could’ve wished for an easier opponent.
Really lively debut from Cunha🫡🇧🇷
Every time he got on the ball he was a threat @UtdJoshua03
pic.twitter.com/aSp06mdn2T— 𝓐𝓷𝓷𝓪🇾🇪 (@AnnaEraMUFC_) July 19, 2025
Cunha and Amad top performers
Matheus Cuhna was calm on the ball and his switch in pace was a delight to watch. All Manchester United’s best attacking moves came from Cunha and Amad. Both were true ballers and showed tremendous sharpness even if it was the first game of the season.
Amad played as a wing-back but he was so energetic that he was all over the pitch and had a brilliant 45 minutes. Both were clearly the best players on the pitch.
Man United still can’t control the tempo of a match
After 90 minutes, Leeds had 51 percent ball possession compared to Manchester United’s 49 percent. For a club that what’s to return to dominating teams that was not a reflection of a side that can control matches to favour outcomes.
Amorim still needs to workout a perfect midfield combination or go into the market to find a midfielder that can run with the ball from deep, dribble and pass effortlessly. These qualities were missing from the Red Devils team today as they chased shadows against Leeds especially during the first half.
Manuel Ugarte’s energy is needed also and maybe Kone would get more opportunities to show what he can do in midfield for the team.
Chido-Obi Inexperienced but full of potential
Chido-Obi had a decent chance in the first hand and drew a save from the goalkeeper. He looked hungry for success and chased the ball a lot. But it was obvious he lacked a lot of experience and would need more game time.
However, at an elite club like Manchester United, he might not get that time especially with the club searching the transfer market for a goalscorer following lack of goals in the side last season.
In conclusion, Softfootball can authoritatively say that this current Manchester United side needs massive improvement if they are to do better than the 15th placed finish they achieved last season.
Maybe the arrival of their latest addition Bryan Mbeumo can help with the goals, having scored 20 goals in the premier league last season. Manchester United will return to England to prepare for their trip for the next phase of their tour in the United States.
