Manchester United vs Leeds LIVE
Matheus Cunha made his pre-season debut as Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw by Leeds in Stockholm.
The Brazilian, starting for the first time under Ruben Amorim on a sunny afternoon at the Swedish capital’s Strawberry Arena, showed glimpses of the star power that convinced his new employers to shell out more than £60million for him earlier this summer.
But United’s new No10 and indeed the rest of Amorim’s troops ultimately failed to provide a breakthrough against Daniel Farke’s spirited Premier League returners, who will surely come away from Saturday’s match the happier of the two sides as a combined total of 44 players got their first 2025-26 pre-season minutes under their belts.
Re-live all the build-up, action and reaction in Standard Sport's dedicated LIVE blog below, and find the full match report here.
Man Utd vs Leeds latest news
- Full-time: Chances for both sides but ends a draw
- Half-time: Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
- How to watch: MUTV
- Man Utd starting line-up
- Leeds Utd starting line-up
Report: Uninspired Red Devils misfire in preseason opener
16:36 , Alex DakersMatheus Cunha huffed, and Manchester United puffed, but the Red Devils could not blow past Leeds United in their pre-season opener in Stockholm.
Cunha - starting for the first time under Ruben Amorim on a sunny afternoon at the Swedish capital’s Strawberry Arena - showed glimpses of the star power that convinced his new employers to shell out more than £60million for him earlier this summer.
But United’s new No10 and indeed the rest of Amorim’s 22 troops in action on Saturday ultimately failed to provide a breakthrough against Daniel Farke’s spirited Premier League newcomers, who will surely come away from the happier of these two sides.
Click here for the full match report!
FULL-TIME
16:04 , Alex DakersMan Utd 0-0 Leeds
After three minutes of added time, the referee sounds the full-time whistle.
Nothing to separate these two sides in the end, despite Leeds’ promising start to the second half and United’s late chances.
They’ll meet again at Elland Road, but not til 3 January!
Before then, both sides will contest a couple more pre-season matches before the 2025-26 Premier League season begins in a few weeks.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
16:01 , Alex Dakers89min: Momentum is with the Red Devils now.
Patrick Dorgu gets a shot off, but teammate Rasmus Hojlund can’t get out of the ball’s path and Leeds scramble to recover possession.
Rhys Chadwick replaced Joel Piroe for Leeds sometime during that madness, too.
CLOSE! Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
16:00 , Alex Dakers87min: How have Manchester United not scored there?!
A Mason Mount corner finds Rasmus Hojlund, who heads the ball back into the fray.
The headers continue with Kobbie Mainoo, who leaps high above Pascal Struijk and clatters his effort off the bar.
That falls on short notice for Ayden Heaven, who does well to turn it towards goal but it’s blocked on the line by Illan Meslier and - following a bit more pinball-esque action - eventually cleared by Leeds.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:57 , Alex Dakers85min: Charlie Crew comes on for Leeds now.
Ilia Gruev, the last man standing from the first half, makes way for the 19-year-old Welsh midfielder.
Crew is the 44th player to get some minutes under his belt today at the Strawberry Arena.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:55 , Alex Dakers83min: There haven’t been too many more opportunities to update you on amid those substitutions, just a few half chances for both sides.
Mason Mount came close a few moments ago when his cross into the box following a corner drifted narrowly around the far post.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:53 , Alex Dakers80min: Another change for Manchester United now sees Jack Fletcher introduced, with Bendito Mantato going off.
Fletcher is one of two twin sons of club legend and now U18s coach Darren.
His brother, Tyler, is also a United player.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:50 , Alex Dakers78min: Some 45,000 people inside the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, today to watch this friendly, the stadium announcers report.
It’s the first pre-season match for both Manchester United and Leeds.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:48 , Alex Dakers76min: And there’s a couple of changes by Daniel Farke, too, with Harry Gray - younger brother of Tottenham and former Leeds man Archie - coming on.
Also introduced is fellow forward Sam Chambers.
It’s Ao Tanaka and Jayden Bogle who make way for that young duo.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:46 , Alex Dakers73min: A drinks break again now as both managers dispense some wisdom upon their players, hoping to find a winning goal as the clock ticks on.
Ruben Amorim makes a substitution, which sees Harry Maguire replaced by Tyler Fredricson.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:43 , Alex Dakers72min: A chance for Manuel Ugarte but the Uruguayan doesn’t catch it terribly well and it’s relatively easy for Ilan Meslier to get down and stop.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:36 , Alex Dakers64min: Brilliant work from Heaton again to deny Ramazani, who sees his right-footed effort saved from a bit of a tricky angle on the left.
The veteran Manchester United goalkeeper has started well in this second half, but Ruben Amorim won’t be pleased that he’s had so much to do!
Heaton pushed the ball away from goal just enough for it to evade the lurking Dan James, too.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:34 , Alex Dakers60min: Then there’s actually an offside called, with Largie Ramazani the perpetrator.
A sigh of relief for Manchester United after the Red Devils gave the ball away leading to that breakaway, which Tom Heaton had to rush out to halt.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:30 , Alex Dakers58min: Another close possible offside call there, this time involving Rasmus Hojlund, who is vocal with his Manchester United teammate Diogo Dalot afterwards - perhaps suggesting that he wanted the delivery sooner.
The Danish striker couldn’t get clean shot away in the end under pressure from the Leeds backline, and Ilan Meslier gathers.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:28 , Alex Dakers56min: Leeds have a threatening chance through Jayden Bogle, who may have been slightly offside, but Tom Heaton makes a smart stop regardless.
The ball goes out for a corner, which somehow finds its way to Ao Tanaka near the back post but the Japanese midfielder can’t get a good connection and it goes wide.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:26 , Alex Dakers55min: Both teams settling back into this tie, which is understandable given all of those changes.
Leny Yoro has looked good so far for United, playing a couple of teasing balls forward.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:21 , Alex Dakers49min: Included in those sweeping changes for Leeds, meanwhile, are former Manchester United men Daniel James and Largie Ramazani.
As well as the aforementioned debuts for Gudmundsson and Longstaff, there’s also one for Sebastiaan Bornauw.
Ilan Meslier replaces Karl Darlow in goal, while Joel Piroe and Pascal Struijk also come in for the Whites.
Ao Tanaka, Jayden Bogle and Ilia Gruev are the only trio to keep their place from the first half.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
15:19 , Alex Dakers47min: Here’s the full Manchester United line-up for the second half...
Starting XI: Tom Heaton, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Bendito Mantato, Rasmus Hojlund
SECOND HALF KICK-OFF
15:17 , Alex DakersMan Utd 0-0 Leeds
We’re back underway with these new-look sides.
Big half-time changes
15:16 , Alex DakersA brand-new XI on the pitch for the second half in Manchester United kit, including the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Leny Yoro.
Diogo Dalot is also in action in the No2 shirt for the first time.
Plenty of changes (it looks like eight in total) for Leeds as well, including debuts for Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sean Longstaff.
The latter only signed for the Whites from Newcastle yesterday evening!
Plenty of changes for the second half?
15:02 , Alex DakersRuben Amorim sent a dozen players out to warm up just before half-time, and there were plenty of Leeds men out there getting loose as well under Daniel Farke’s watchful gaze.
This is only a pre-season match, of course, so we could see as many as 11 changes from each team at the break.
Stay tuned!
HALF-TIME
15:00 , Alex DakersMan Utd 0-0 Leeds
Nothing to split these two sides at half-time, with Leeds starting out on top but the Red Devils having the better of the chances towards the end of this first period.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:59 , Alex Dakers45min: One minute added at the end of a first half that has improved as it’s gone on.
Casemiro tries to ping a ball across the penalty box, which takes a deflection off Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu and then another off the bar.
Nobody in United kit can get to the rebound, though.
CLOSE! Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:57 , Alex Dakers43min: Miscommunication there between Chido Obi and Matheus Cunha leads to a missed opportunity for Manchester United.
The 17-year-old striker has the ball coming across him on the edge of the box following some good play by Amad Diallo, but he has to stretch to reach it.
He tries to and does make a connection but his shot whistles wide to the left of the post.
Had Obi left the ball to the onrushing Cunha, who was in a better position and lets his new teammate know it afterwards, that might have been the opening goal - or at least an effort on target.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:53 , Alex Dakers41min: Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo showed some promising link-up play a few moments ago, but it came to nothing as the latter’s shot ended up a fair bit wide of the goal.
Casemiro then has a go from some ways out, but can’t keep his effort down.
Better from Manchester United, though, who are gaining more control as we approach the interval.
Will anyone break the deadlock before half-time?
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:48 , Alex Dakers34min: Chido Obi has been one of Manchester United’s brighter sparks so far today, and he attempts a shot from a tight angle with no other teammates in the box.
No real trouble for Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow though, who parries it out.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:43 , Alex Dakers29min: Will Ferrell is in attendance at today’s match in Stockholm, with the MUTV cameras briefly panning to the American actor and comedian a few moments ago.
The Anchorman star appears to be decked out in an “I love Gnesta” shirt, illustrating his affection for the Swedish municipality.
Ferrell is an avid sports fan and also a minority investor in Leeds United - so this isn’t a totally random appearance!
American actor and comedian Will Ferrell watching Manchester United vs. Leeds from the stands. 📸 pic.twitter.com/WKFe0DYq93
— Football Xtra™ (@FootballXtra0) July 19, 2025
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:39 , Alex Dakers26min: Leeds have had a little more of the possession so far today.
A stoppage here and both sides re-hydrate at the side of the pitch as Ruben Amorim and Daniel Farke dispense instructions and tactical tweaks to their respective troops.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:36 , Alex Dakers23min: Just over 20 minutes have come and gone now, and we’re still level in Stockholm.
No real clear cut chances either, with both goalkeepers - Karl Darlow for Leeds and Altay Bayindir for Manchester United - hardly having been tested.
Plenty of time remaining, though.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:31 , Alex Dakers17min: 18-year-old Diego Leon, making his Manchester United debut today at left wing-back, looks to be a target for some of these early Leeds attacks.
He’s at least got the experienced Luke Shaw playing as a left-sided centre-back beside him, but there’s been a bit of lop-sided pressure down that flank from the Whites.
Ruben Amorim has the likes of Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot waiting on the bench today.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:29 , Alex Dakers15min: Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto wins a bit of a soft foul from Casemiro, who protests.
Jack Harrison delivers, but there’s an offside call against the Whites.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:25 , Alex Dakers12min: Matheus Cunha is brought down as he tries to make a charge through the Leeds line, and Manchester United have a free-kick a little ways back from the edge of the box.
It’s delivered by Bruno Fernandes and nodded goalward by Chido Obi, but bounces wide of the target.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:22 , Alex Dakers8min: It looks like 21-year-old Toby Collyer, usually a more defensive-minded player, is starting as United’s right-sided No10 today, opposite Matheus Cunha on the left, with captain Bruno Fernandes instead the man playing alongside Casemiro.
A reminder that it’s 17-year-old Chido Obi up top today, with Rasmus Hojlund resigned to the bench and Joshua Zirkzee left in Manchester as he deals with an injury.
Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
14:17 , Alex Dakers3min: Manchester United are in their new Adidas away kit today - which, somewhat confusingly given their opponents, is white - with Leeds clad in blue and yellow... coincidentally, the national team colours of today’s host country Sweden!
Little else to report from these opening exchanges.
KICK-OFF
14:13 , Alex DakersAfter a few team pictures on the pitch and a moment of silence in tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, we are underway in Stockholm as Manchester United take on Leeds.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025
💙 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃! pic.twitter.com/L7XgKnNXDN
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 19, 2025
Players take to the pitch in Stockholm
14:09 , Alex DakersBoth sides are coming out onto the Strawberry Arena pitch now.
Kick-off is just a few minutes away!
United players arriving earlier
14:01 , Alex DakersWhile we wait for kick-off, which is now scheduled for 2:10pm BST, here are some scenes from the Manchester United squad arriving at the Strawberry Arena earlier this afternoon:
Checking in ✅
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025
Kick-off delayed
13:37 , Alex DakersA quick note that kick-off, originally scheduled for 2pm BST, has been delayed by about 10 minutes due to traffic issues in Stockholm.
Unless there are further updates to that, we should therefore be getting underway in just over half an hour!
ℹ️ Kick-off in today's game has been delayed by 10 minutes due to heavy traffic around the stadium.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025
United 🆚 Leeds will now begin at 14:10 BST, with live coverage on #MUTV ⬇️
Amorim wants 'effort' from Cunha
13:35 , Alex DakersRuben Amorim has been speaking on MUTV ahead of the match.
“We are going to try different things, try to see players in different positions,” the Portuguese manager said.
“We are focused on the first game of the season, we are already preparing to play that game, so we need to take advantage today.”
On what he expects to see from new signing Matheus Cunha, the initial one-word answer: “Effort.”
Amorim added: “I need to understand if he is understanding the position.”
Cunha would appear to be lining up as a left-sided attacking midfielder today, accompanied by club captain Bruno Fernandes on the right.
The Red Devils boss continued: “We need to do so much better than last season, so we need to improve.
Man Utd vs Leeds prediction
13:29 , Alex DakersDespite their woeful form last term, this friendly match will be viewed as square one for Ruben Amorim and his players.
This is the time to reset and refocus, and the Portuguese head coach will have had ample time to drill his philosophies and ideas into his squad.
Naturally, both managers will experiment at times here, but United’s squad - especially with the experienced players they can call on from the bench today - should have enough to defeat a spirited Leeds side.
Prediction: Man United to win, 3-1
Leeds United confirmed team news in full
13:24 , Alex DakersAnd here’s the same confirmed team news in full for Leeds United.
Ex-Manchester United winger Daniel James is on the bench for the Whites, as is new arrival Sean Longstaff, who has only just signed from Newcastle.
Manchester City academy product Lukas Nmecha makes his first start for Leeds, leading the line for Daniel Farke’s side, while there’s also a debut for centre-back Jaka Bijdol.
Starting XI: Karl Darlow, Sam Byram, Jaka Bijdol, Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Ao Tanaka, Jack Harrison, Wilfried Gnonto, Lukas Nmecha
Bench: Ilan Meslier, Alex Cairns, Rory Mahady, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Pascal Struijk, Daniel James, Sean Longstaff, Joel Piroe, Largie Ramazani, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sam Chambers, Harry Gray, Rhys Chadwick, Charlie Crew
🤩 First run out for Lukas! pic.twitter.com/ob77qYPQrb
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 19, 2025
Man Utd confirmed team news in full
13:16 , Alex DakersHere’s that starting line-up and bench again for the Red Devils, for whom Matheus Cunha will be in action for the first time.
It looks like a back three of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw to start with, as 18-year-old Diego Leon makes his debut as left wing-back with Amad Diallo presumably his counterpart on the right flank.
Casemiro and youngster Toby Collyer would appear to be the midfield double pivot, with Bruno Fernandes accompanying Cunha as the attacking duo in support of striker Chido Obi, who gets the nod up front ahead of Rasmus Hojlund.
Starting XI: Altay Bayindir, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Diego Leon, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Chido Obi
Bench: Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Diogo Dalot, Patrick Dorgu, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Godwill Kukonki, Harry Maguire, Reece Munro, Leny Yoro, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte, Rasmus Hojlund, Bendito Mantato, Ethan Williams
Leeds United confirmed line-up: Harris return plus debuts
12:59 , Alex DakersAnd here’s Leeds United’s confirmed starting line-up to face the Red Devils.
Jack Harrison starts having returned to the club after two straight years on loan at Everton, while there are debuts handed to new signings Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha.
Sean Longstaff, who only completed his £13million signing from Newcastle yesterday, is on the bench and could also make his first appearance for the Whites, as could fellow new arrivals Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sebastiaan Bornauw.
📋 Today's #LUFC Starting XI... pic.twitter.com/P5BCxLW9B9
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 19, 2025
Manchester United confirmed line-up: Cunha debut
12:57 , Alex DakersHere’s Manchester United’s confirmed starting line-up for this afternoon’s first pre-season friendly.
The big news: a debut for new signing Matheus Cunha!
Our first starting XI of pre-season 🤍💜
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025
Click below to watch today's game LIVE on #MUTV 👇
United's Scandinavian summers
12:44 , Alex DakersIt is becoming a bit of a tradition for Manchester United to kick off their pre-season action in Scandinavia.
The Red Devils faced Norwegian side Rosenborg just over a year ago as their first opponents of that Premier League warm-up tour and were beaten under then-manager Erik ten Hag.
Current boss Ruben Amorim will hope this afternoon’s match doesn’t end in a repeat of that scoreline!
United do at least have some strong history at the venue for their opening pre-season outing this time around. Under Jose Mourinho, they beat Ajax here at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena to win the 2017 Europa League.
Meanwhile, the Old Trafford club also faced today’s opponents Leeds in Norway back in their 2015 pre-season and again in 2023.
Leeds to sign Hoffenheim midfielder Stach
12:38 , Alex DakersAs Leeds prepare to get their first pre-season match underway here in under two hours, the club have reportedly reached an agreement for Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach.
The 26-year-old German is set to sign a four-year contract with Daniel Farke’s side for a reported fee of €20M plus add-ons, with the deal considered “done” according to Sky Sports and Fabrizio Romano.
You can follow the latest transfer news from the football world over in Standard Sport’s dedicated transfer live blog.
Leeds fans out in force
12:28 , Alex DakersLeeds fans are out in numbers in Stockholm ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Manchester United.
Will they get a pre-season boost from beating the Red Devils ahead of their Premier League return?
🇸🇪🙌 Leeds taking over! pic.twitter.com/Ov965ktuDW
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 19, 2025
There does, however, appear to be many more red shirts than white ones in Stockholm.
Early Leeds United team news: New signings to start?
12:23 , Alex DakersAs for Leeds United’s early team news, it remains to be seen whether one-time Man United transfer target Sean Longstaff will feature for the Whites after the English midfielder completed a £13million switch from Newcastle.
Daniel Farke has been busy in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sebastiaan Bournauw, and Lukas Nmecha, and all three could be in contention to play against United.
Jack Harrison, who has returned to the club after two straight years on loan at Everton, may also be included in the squad.
Not so 'friendly'?
12:16 , Alex DakersToday’s opponents are of course familiar foes, despite Leeds’ infrequent presence in the Premier League over the last few decades.
They haven’t faced each other very often in competitive matches during that time, but their old rivalry is a deep one dating back to the Matt Busby vs Don Revie days and even the Wars of the Roses between Lancashire and Yorkshire in the 15th century
It’ll be renewed today in Stockholm ahead of Daniel Farke’s Championship-winning side returning to the English top flight, with their first Premier League meeting against the Red Devils in 2025-26 not arriving until the beginning of January.
And Leeds have suggested this match, while a “friendly” on paper, might be anything but in spirit!
🇸🇪 Our first pre-season ‘friendly’! pic.twitter.com/Z7z3u9OpuT
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 19, 2025
Man Utd confirmed squad vs Leeds
12:10 , Alex DakersFurther to the below, here’s Manchester United’s confirmed squad list for today’s pre-season friendly.
Confirmed Manchester United squad: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon, Tyler Fredricson, Reece Munro, Godwill Kukonki, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Toby Collyer, Rasmus Hojlund, Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo, Chido Obi, Ethan Williams, Bendito Mantato
Early Man Utd team news: Cunha set for debut
12:10 , Alex DakersMatheus Cunha is set to make his Manchester United debut when the Red Devils take on Leeds United in their first pre-season friendly.
United have signed just Cunha and Diego Leon in a quiet summer for the club so far, although they’ve been more focused on outgoings as they try to shift want-away stars Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia.
An long-awaited agreement has been reached with Brentford to sign Bryan Mbeumo, but he will not join in time to feature.
There’s also no Andre Onana, the goalkeeper having been ruled out for much of pre-season with a hamstring injury.
This game comes too soon for centre-back Lisandro Martinez as well, as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, and Joshua Zirkzee has also been left behind in Manchester due to injury.
How to watch Man Utd vs Leeds today
11:33 , Alex DakersToday’s pre-season match between these two Premier League foes will be shown live on MUTV, Manchester United’s official television channel, as well on Leeds United TV (LUTV).
Coverage starts at 1pm BST, an hour ahead of kick-off.
Viewers can subscribe to the channel via the club’s official website and app, or it is available through providers Sky and Virgin for an additional fee.
You can also follow all the action right here in Standard Sport’s live blog!
Follow Manchester United vs Leeds United live!
11:30 , Alex DakersWelcome to Standard Sport’s live blog coverage of the pre-season friendly between Manchester United and Leeds United.
The match, played at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, is scheduled for a 2pm BST kick-off this afternoon.
Before then, we’ll bring you all the latest team news and updates, as well as the confirmed line-ups.
