Pre-Match Analysis: Man United Open Pre-Season Against Newly-Promoted Leeds

Manchester United begin their pre-season with a friendly against Leeds United at Stockholm's Strawberry Arena this Saturday. While a non-competitive match, it offers an early look at both teams preparing for the 2025/26 Premier League season.

For Manchester United, entering their first full season under manager Rúben Amorim, the match is a chance to refine their tactical identity after a disappointing 15th-place finish last season. It provides an opportunity to see how Amorim's established principles—focusing on structure, pressing, and fluid transitions—develop following summer signings.

Potential debuts are a focus for United. New signings Matheus Cunha (signed from Wolves for £64m) and Diego Leon (from Cerro Porteño) could make their first appearances. However, Andre Onana is ruled out with a hamstring injury, Lisandro Martínez continues knee rehab and hasn't travelled, and a potential move for Bryan Mbeumo won't be completed in time for this match. Amorim is expected to field a competitive team blending established players and new arrivals.

Leeds United, back in the Premier League after winning the EFL Championship under Daniel Farke, aim to use the match to lay foundations for survival. They arrive with several new signings likely to feature, including midfielder Sean Longstaff (£13m from Newcastle), defenders Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Gabriel Gudmundsson, creative midfielder Felix Nmecha, and winger Jack Harrison returning from loan.

Tactically, the focus for Manchester United under Amorim is the continued evolution of his 3-4-3 system. Pre-season is about refining pressing triggers, defensive transitions, and integrating new signings with the core squad. Cunha's movement as a dynamic striker and the blend of wide attackers with wing-backs and midfield control will be key aspects to watch. The match will test the squad's adaptation to Amorim's structured, technically demanding build-up play.