Playing at the Strawberry stadium in Stockholm, Man Utd started with a mix of established players and youngsters, including Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Casemiro, and Matthijs de Ligt. The team created only two clear-cut chances and failed to find the back of the net. Leeds, meanwhile, had three good opportunities of their own and could have won the match.
At the start of the second half, manager Ruben Amorim made wholesale changes, bringing on more familiar faces such as Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rasmus Hojlund. While the "Red Devils" controlled possession, they still couldn't break the deadlock. New signing Bryan Mbeumo was absent, awaiting a medical examination.
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Matheus Cunha (left) battles for the ball during Man Utd's match against Leeds at Strawberry stadium, Stockholm, Sweden, 19/7/2025. Photo: Shutterstock |
Matheus Cunha (left) battles for the ball during Man Utd's match against Leeds at Strawberry stadium, Stockholm, Sweden, 19/7/2025. Photo: Shutterstock
After the match, Amorim praised Cunha for bringing a new dynamic to the team. "Cunha provides what we need – a player capable of making powerful runs when receiving the ball between the lines. This can disrupt the opponent's defense," he said.
The Portuguese manager also acknowledged the team's midfield issues. "Man Utd lacks pace in midfield. It feels difficult to win the ball back in that area," Amorim commented, adding, "But we also created several chances."
Amorim's comments suggest Man Utd needs a top-class central midfielder, given Casemiro's declining form and lack of speed. Manuel Ugarte is primarily a defensive player, while Fernandes is still adapting to the central midfield role in Amorim's 3-4-3 system.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Man Utd has reached an agreement with 22-year-old midfielder Javi Guerra from Valencia. However, the Spanish club is yet to agree to the sale. The 1.88m tall Guerra has scored 8 goals in 89 La Liga appearances, but he has yet to represent the Spanish national team.
Following the draw with Leeds, Man Utd will travel to the US for their tour. Their next match is against West Ham at MetLife stadium on 26/7.
Hoang An
