Manchester United v Leeds: Line-ups, stats and preview
Preview for Manchester United v Leeds
Manchester United open their pre-season campaign against Leeds in Stockholm tomorrow after a summer of frustration.
Speaking in May, towards the end of a dismal 2024-25 campaign that saw United finish 15th and miss out on European competition, boss Ruben Amorim said they needed to be “brave” over the summer, hinting at a major overhaul of an underperforming squad.
But the only arrivals so far have been Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and youngsters Diego Leon and Enzo Kana-Biyik, although reports today suggest a £70million move for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo is finally nearing completion.
It seems unlikely the incomings will have a transformative effect on the squad and it may be United are unable to make any more significant signings until members of the ‘Bomb Squad’ are shipped out.
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have all expressed a wish to leave Old Trafford and it’s highly unlikely any of the quintet will travel to Sweden.
Ramping it up at Carrington
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 17, 2025
United often resembled a disorganised mess, on and off the field, last season but the same cannot be said for their opponents tomorrow.
Leeds’ return to the top-flight following a two-year absence was confirmed in April with Daniel Farke’s side going on to amass 100 points and finish as winners of the Championship.
Since then they have acquired Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Lukas Nmecha for a combined outlay of around £35m and it remains to be seen how much more they spend prior to the Premier League season getting underway next month.
It is unlikely tomorrow’s game at the Strawberry Arena will offer too much insight into how the teams will fare over the coming months but Leeds winger Willy Gnonto says pre-season has gone well.
The Italy international told LUTV: “It is going really well. I feel like we are working really hard, we are getting ready for what is going to come and it is important to get to know the new players, get to know what the coach wants to do this season and, yeah, just good vibes all around.
“I think everyone is in a good mood. Everyone is happy to be back and we are ready to work. It is obviously tough but it is good to get ready from now so that the season is going to be easier for us.
“Obviously, I try to enjoy myself. It is not easy when you have to do runs and stuff like this, but obviously we have to do it.”
Leeds and Manchester United have a long-held rivalry and Gnonto knows there is always added spice when the cross-Pennine teams clash.
He added: “I think it is the best game to start with. It is a big rivalry and it is our first friendly game as well. So, we just want to try to get the result and start on the right foot.
“Obviously, it is Manchester United, so it is never going to be a game like the others. We know what we have to do. We know that it is a friendly game but we want to win.”
Team News for Manchester United v Leeds
It is likely both managers will use the full quota of players in their squads given it is a first run-out.
United are definitely without Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who is still rehabbing after sustaining an ACL injury in February, and goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Upping the intensity! pic.twitter.com/PUnQcSlHUH
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 16, 2025
Predicted line-ups for Manchester United v Leeds
Manchester United: Bayindir; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Cunha, Amad, Hojlund
Leeds: Meslier: Bogle, Bijol, Ampadu, Gudmundsson; Gruev, Tanaka; Gnonto, Aaronson, James; Piroe
How to watch Manchester United v Leeds: TV and online stream
Manchester United versus Leeds kicks off at 2pm UK time tomorrow. It can be watched on MUTV and LUTV.
Stats for Manchester United v Leeds
- This will be the third time the teams have clashed in pre-season since 2019 with Manchester United winning the previous two
- Manchester United have won four of their last five regular-season meetings
Prediction for Manchester United v Leeds
As usual with friendlies, so much depends on the teams selected by the respective managers.
But we’d be surprised if Leeds didn’t get something from the game.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Leeds
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