Man United vs Leeds: 2025/26 Pre-season friendly match preview, prediction
Manchester United vs Leeds United pre-season friendly match. Photo Credit- visit Stockholm
The fierce rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds United reignites in a pre-season friendly on July 19, 2025, at Strawberry Arena, Solna, Sweden. With Manchester United looking to rebuild under Ruben Amorim after a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, and Leeds riding high following their Championship triumph, this clash promises intensity and intrigue. Both sides will test new signings and tactics, setting the stage for an exciting encounter as they gear up for the 2025/26 season.
Manchester United performance
The 2024/25 season was a low point for Manchester United, as they slumped to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League, their worst in the competition’s history, with only 42 points. A Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur further compounded a trophyless campaign, leaving them without European football for 2025/26, the first time since 2014/15. Under new head coach Ruben Amorim, who is embarking on his first full season, the Red Devils are desperate to reset. Pre-season offers a chance to rebuild confidence and integrate new signings, with Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation expected to be tested extensively. Despite last season’s struggles, United’s squad retains quality, and Amorim’s focus will be on improving defensive solidity and attacking cohesion.
Man United tactics
Amorim is expected to deploy his preferred 3-4-2-1, emphasizing a compact defense and quick transitions. New signing Matheus Cunha, a versatile forward from Wolves with 21 goal involvements last season, is likely to play in one of the two No. 10 roles alongside Bruno Fernandes, supporting striker Rasmus Hojlund. The absence of goalkeeper Andre Onana (hamstring) may see Altay Bayindir and a reshuffled defense, potentially featuring Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro. Amorim may experiment by changing his XI at halftime, as seen in past pre-seasons, to give youngsters like Diego Leon, an 18-year-old from Cerro Porteno, a chance to shine. Expect United to focus on possession and exploiting wide areas through wing-backs like Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu.
Man United team news and injuries
Matheus Cunha (from Wolves) and Diego Leon (from Cerro Porteno) are in line for debuts. Cunha’s versatility and Leon’s potential add excitement to United’s squad. Andre Onana (hamstring) is ruled out for much of pre-season, with Altay Bayindir expected to start. Lisandro Martinez (knee) remains sidelined and is unlikely to travel to Sweden. No additional injury concerns reported, but Amorim may rotate heavily to assess squad depth. Bryan Mbeumo, a transfer target, is not expected to feature as any potential deal would be too late for this match.
Expected Lineup (3-4-2-1): Bayindir; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Cunha, Amad; Hojlund.
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Leeds United form
Leeds are riding high after a dominant 2024/25 Championship campaign, where they clinched the title with a club-record 100 points, losing just once after November. Daniel Farke’s side, known for their high-pressing, free-scoring style, netted 95 goals in the Championship, with key contributions from Joel Piroe (19 goals, 7 assists) and Manor Solomon’s injury-time title-clinching strike. Back in the Premier League after a two-year absence, Leeds aim to consolidate their top-flight status. Their pre-season will be about adapting to the Premier League’s intensity while maintaining their attacking identity. Farke’s 4-2-3-1 setup is likely to remain, with new signings bolstering their defensive options.
Leeds tactics
Farke’s high-pressing 4-2-3-1 will rely on pacey wingers like Daniel James, who scored 12 goals and provided 9 assists last season, to stretch United’s defense. Joel Piroe will lead the line, supported by Brenden Aaronson’s creativity. New signings Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson are expected to slot into the backline, adding physicality and dynamism. Midfielders Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev will anchor the center, allowing Leeds to press aggressively and transition quickly. Their defensive recruits suggest a focus on tightening up at the back, but their attacking flair as seen in their 95 Championship goals, remains their biggest asset. Leeds may struggle against United’s physicality but will look to exploit gaps with their speed.
Leeds team news and injuries
Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Lukas Nmecha (ex-Manchester City) are all expected to feature, with Bijol and Gudmundsson potentially starting. Sean Longstaff, recently signed from Newcastle for £13m, is a doubt pending integration. No major injuries reported, though social media posts mention five potential doubts, likely precautionary due to the early stage of pre-season. Manor Solomon, on loan last season, is no longer with the squad.
Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Ayling, Bijol, Gudmundsson, Firpo; Tanaka, Gruev; James, Aaronson, Summerville; Piroe.
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Man United vs Leeds head-to-head statistics
Manchester United dominate recent encounters, winning 6 of the last 8 matches across all competitions, with Leeds winless and 2 draws. Notable results include: 2023 Pre-Season (Oslo): Manchester United 2-0 Leeds United. 2022/23 Premier League: Manchester United 6-2 Leeds United; 2-2 draw. 2021/22 Premier League: Manchester United 5-1 Leeds United; 4-2. The last six competitive matches between the two sides produced 26 goals (average 4.33 per game), suggesting high-scoring affairs. However, the 2023 pre-season friendly was lower-scoring (2-0), indicating pre-season games may be less open. Leeds are winless in their last 16 league visits to Old Trafford (since 1981) and have a 14% win ratio against United in the Premier League, their lowest against any opponent faced more than five times.
Man United vs Leeds score prediction
This pre-season friendly is likely to be competitive, given the historic rivalry, but both teams will use the match to experiment. Manchester United’s superior squad depth and home-like atmosphere in Stockholm (with a strong Swedish connection via players like Victor Lindelof) give them a slight edge. However, Leeds’ attacking prowess and confidence from their Championship triumph make them dangerous, especially with Daniel James facing his former club. The absence of Onana and Martinez weakens United’s defense, and Leeds’ high press could exploit this. Expect goals, as recent head-to-heads suggest, but United’s quality should prevail in a tight contest.
