Ruben Amorim threw summer signings Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon straight into Manchester United’s starting lineup against Leeds United.
The 2025 pre-season schedule began with Manchester United drawing 0-0 with Leeds in Stockholm, Sweden.
While pre-season friendlies are mostly about building up fitness, Ruben Amorim will have been keeping a close eye on several players ahead of the new season.
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Amorim used a total of 24 players in the draw, including 45-minute cameos from summer signings Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon.
Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon impress vs Leeds United
In pre-season training, United fans were stunned by Cunha’s ball-carrying at Carrington, and now supporters got their first glimpse at the £62.5m signing.
Additionally, Diego Leon has impressed in training and the new £7m signing is fighting to stay with the first-team next season rather than go out on loan.
Stats provided by SofaScore show how both new signings fared in their first-ever appearance for United.
Cunha managed 26 touches in his first appearance and boasted a 92% pass completion rate with 11 completed passes.
On several occasions, the Brazilian turned in possession and drove forward – he finished with one successful dribble out of three attempts.
As for Leon, the young wing-back was impressive defensively with one tackle and three duels won. Going forward, he also made one key pass and managed two shots.
What Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon have added at Man United
This was only the start for Cunha and Leon at United, but already they have both showed signs of promise in their first appearance.
Next up, they will join United’s tour of the United States and participate in the Premier League Summer Series, where fans will get to see plenty more of the two signings.
Heading into the summer, Amorim wanted to add more physicality to his squad and his plan is starting to come together with Cunha and Leon.
Cunha’s ability to hold off defenders in possession will help the Red Devils progress up the pitch, while Leon held his own against a physical Leeds side.
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In what was his first game in England, he challenged almost every header and was a threat going forward.
Patrick Dorgu will start the season as the first-choice left wing-back, but in Leon he has some fierce competition for a starting spot.
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