Manchester United kick off their pre-season schedule with a clash against familiar rivals Leeds United at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm this Saturday.
While this is only a friendly, the fixture offers an important early look at both clubs as they build towards the start of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
United, entering their first full campaign under Rúben Amorim, are looking to sharpen a tactical identity that showed signs of progress but ultimately delivered a disappointing 15th-place finish in 2024/25.
This match provides an opportunity to see how Amorim’s well-established principles — built around structure, pressing, and fluid transitions — will evolve following a summer of fresh recruitment.
For Leeds, back in the Premier League after lifting the EFL Championship title under Daniel Farke, this is about laying foundations for survival after successfully bouncing back at the second attempt.
Team News: New Faces On Show For Both Sides
Manchester United
The focus at United is on potential debuts. Matheus Cunha, signed from **Wolves**for £64m, could make his first appearance for the club, while Diego Leon, recruited from Cerro Porteño, may also feature.
Andre Onana is ruled out for most of pre-season with a hamstring injury, and while United remain keen on securing Bryan Mbeumo, this match comes too soon for the potential new signing. Lisandro Martínez continues his rehab from a knee injury and has not travelled.
With these absences noted, Amorim is expected to field a competitive XI, blending familiar faces with new arrivals as he continues refining his preferred setup.
Leeds United
Leeds arrive with several fresh additions. Sean Longstaff, signed from Newcastle for £13 million, could make his debut. Defensive recruits Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Gabriel Gudmundsson all offer depth and experience and are likely to feature.
Felix Nmecha adds creativity in midfield, while Jack Harrison returns from two loan spells at Everton and will look to bolster Leeds’ attacking options.
Tactical Overview: Familiar Philosophies, New Faces
Manchester United: Amorim’s Continued Evolution
Having had half a season at the helm, Amorim’s 3-4-3 structure is still very much a work-in-progress. This pre-season campaign is about refining the details — improving pressing triggers, defensive transitions, and ensuring new signings integrate with the core squad he favours building around.
Cunha’s movement between the lines offers a more dynamic No. 9 profile, while Amorim will look to continue blending wide attacking threats with wing-back width and midfield control.
United’s build-up under Amorim is structured but demands technical quality; this game will show how well the squad is adapting to that challenge.
Leeds United: Farke’s Blueprint For Survival
Farke’s 4-2-3-1 approach remains unchanged — structured, possession-based, with emphasis on controlled pressing and wide overloads. New defensive additions point towards a desire for greater solidity, while Harrison’s return restores some familiarity in attacking areas of the pitch.
This fixture will serve as an early test of Leeds’ defensive organisation and transitional play against a top-flight opponent well-versed in possession structures.
Players To Watch
Matheus Cunha (Manchester United): Expected to make his debut, Cunha’s blend of energy and link-play will be crucial to Amorim’s front three setup.
Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United): An attacking outlet from left-back, his overlaps will stretch United’s right-hand side.
Head-to-Head History
Manchester United wins: 50
Leeds United wins: 37
Draws: 26
Recent history favours Manchester United, though this fixture will be more about rhythm and conditioning than legacy.
Early Insights Into New-Look Squads
For Manchester United, this is about refining what Amorim has already built while assessing how new faces fit into an established side. For Leeds, it’s the start of preparations for a long and likely challenging Premier League campaign where defensive resilience will be vital.
While the result matters little, the performance will offer important insights into how prepared both sides are for the challenges ahead.