Daniel Farke
(Credit: Imago)
Pranav Shahaney
Thu 10 July 2025 7:40, UK
Manchester United are scheduled to take on Leeds United in a pre-season friendly on 19 July.
The contest will be played on Saturday afternoon at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
It will be the Old Trafford outfit’s first friendly game ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Elland Road Leeds United
Elland Road will host Premier League football next term.(Credit: Imago)
Manchester United abandon decision of gift-giving ahead of friendlies
Ahead of pre-season friendlies, clubs tend to exchange gifts or souvenirs as it has been the tradition in football.
However, according to Ben Jacobs’ article on talkSPORT on 9 July, Manchester United have decided against it.
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Leeds United will be the first victims of their decision and it’s not believed to have anything to do with the rivalry between the two clubs.
Rivals of the Manchester-based outfit believe that this is yet another cost-cutting measure made by the minority owners, the INEOS Group.
However, sources at the club claim that it’s a move away from needless niceties, especially while taking on English opponents.
Daniel Farke needs to prepare his Leeds United side well for next season
Daniel Farke must utilise Leeds United’s pre-season friendlies effectively to integrate new signings and prepare for a gruelling Premier League relegation battle in 2025-26.
With recent additions including Lukas Nmecha and more expected, these matches offer a critical opportunity to build chemistry among players unfamiliar with each other’s styles.
Pre-season allows Farke to test formations, refine pressing triggers and embed his high-intensity philosophy, which is vital for a cohesive unit capable of surviving the top flight’s relentless pace.
Farke’s previous relegation struggles highlight the need for early cohesion as a disjointed squad risks early-season losses that could spiral into a confidence crisis.
Friendlies also provide a low-stakes environment to assess how new recruits adapt to his tactics and the physical demands of English football, particularly for those from abroad.
With a congested fixture list and tough early opponents for the Elland Road outfit, a well-prepared squad can gain crucial points to avoid being cut adrift.
Effective pre-season preparation could be the difference between survival and another Championship return.
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