Manchester United began their 2025/26 pre-season schedule with a goalless draw against fierce rivals Leeds United.
With just under one month to go until the start of the Premier League season, Manchester United were in Sweden to kickstart their 2025 pre-season schedule.
Ruben Amorim wasted no time giving opportunities to new signings Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon at the Strawberry Arena, with both playing the first 45 minutes.
However, the Red Devils were unable to find a breakthrough and will settle for an afternoon of fitness-building.
Matheus Cunha dazzles
This is the first chance United fans got to get a glimpse at £62.5m summer signing Matheus Cunha, and the Brazilian did not disappoint.
There have been reports that Cunha has impressed in training, and he showed some glimpses of brilliance in Sweden.
Cunha’s ball carrying is particularly impressive, and on multiple occasions here he carried possession forward and beat several players or drew a foul.
A promising start to life at United.
Diego Leon fighting for his spot
Alongside Cunha, United’s only other completed signing so far is the £7m deal for Diego Leon, and he was also thrown straight into the mix against Leeds.
Starting as a left wing-back, the 18-year-old settled in well and handled the threat of Wilfried Gnonto comfortably.
Ahead of his move, Leon insisted he would impress in pre-season and fight to stay with the first-team squad for 2025/26.
With Harry Amass staying at home this weekend to finalise a loan move away, it seems Amorim has faith in his new signing to compete with Patrick Dorgu for a starting spot.
Ruben Amorim gets his ‘physicality’ wish
After the disappointment of last season, Amorim wanted United to have more physicality heading into the new season, and that has been a priority in the transfer market.
There were promising signs against Leeds, with new signings Leon and Cunha both adding considerable athleticism and strength to the left flank.
Luke Shaw’s summer transformation was also noticeable, with the 30-year-old starting as a centre-back. Casemiro also looks in great shape this pre-season and was winning plenty of duels in midfield.
Amorim wants an athletic and physically daunting side, and this performance showed signs of his plan coming together.
Where Bruno Fernandes will play in 2025/26
Club captain Bruno Fernandes was also named in the starting line-up against Leeds, and Amorim dropped a hint about where fans can expect him to play next season.
Despite Casemiro and Toby Collyer also being named as starters, Fernandes dropped into a central midfield role, playing in a double pivot with Casemiro.
Collyer was pushed up into the right-sided No.10 position – a role expected to be given to imminent new signing Bryan Mbeumo when his move is finalised.
It suggests that Fernandes will adopt a deeper role next season, freeing up space for the likes of Cunha, Mason Mount and Mbeumo to star in the more advanced positions.
Man United need at least two more signings
Cunha and Leon made a bright start to their life at United, but the first match of the summer did expose a few flaws in Amorim’s squad.
After Mbeumo, United want a new striker as their next signing to complete a new-look front three. Chido Obi was given the nod to start against Leeds, with Rasmus Hojlund playing the second half.
Even if it wasn’t a match full of chances, Amorim will look at the performance against Leeds and be nudging Ineos to bring in a new centre-forward. Benjamin Sesko appears to be towards the top of the shopping list.
Additionally, United will need a new goalkeeper. Andre Onana is injured for the start of the season, meaning Altay Bayindir started against Leeds.
However, the Turkish shot-stopper was underwhelming in possession, often kicking it straight out of play under no pressure. Tom Heaton replaced him for the second half of the season, but Amorim will not want to have to regularly rely on the 39-year-old.
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