Three Takeaways from Man Utd’s Pre-Season Stalemate with Leeds

While a goalless draw in a first pre-season friendly is hardly cause for alarm, Manchester United’s sluggish 0-0 encounter with Leeds United on Saturday offered few immediate answers and raised several important questions for new manager Ruben Amorim.

The performance in Stockholm was less about the result and more about the first impressions of a new era. As the team prepares for a crucial season, the low-key affair provided an early glimpse into the challenges and decisions that lie ahead for the Portuguese manager.

How Will the New Signings Adapt to Amorim’s System?

The friendly marked the first public test for Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, with new signings Matheus Cunha and Diego León handed starting roles. Cunha, deployed as a left-sided inside forward, showed flashes of his power and technical skill but was often isolated, managing just 25 touches in his 45-minute appearance. At left wing-back, León was energetic and positive going forward, but Leeds found their most promising attacking moments down his flank, suggesting the defensive side of his role will require significant work. The success of United’s season will depend heavily on how quickly these key recruits can master the complex demands of their new positions.

Have Last Season’s Attacking Woes Been Solved?

A primary concern from United’s disappointing 2024-25 campaign was a lack of creativity and cutting edge in the final third. This opening friendly suggested that issue persists. The team’s build-up play was often slow and predictable, and they failed to create clear-cut chances from open play until the final minutes of the match. While it will take time for the new-look attack to gel, the performance was a stark reminder that simply signing new players doesn’t automatically solve systemic problems. Amorim’s biggest challenge will be to instill the fluency and urgency that were notably absent for long periods.

Is the New 3-4-2-1 System Defensively Sound?

A key feature of Ruben Amorim’s tactical identity is his three-at-the-back system, which places significant defensive responsibility on the wing-backs. This first test raised questions about its immediate viability in the Premier League. Leeds United, while creating few clear-cut chances overall, found their most consistent joy by targeting the space behind United’s wing-backs. New signing Diego León, while impressive going forward, was often caught out of position, allowing Leeds to generate their most dangerous attacks down his side. This highlights a potential weak point in the system; if the wing-backs are not defensively disciplined, the central defenders can become easily exposed. Finding the right balance between attacking contribution and defensive solidity in these crucial roles will be one of Amorim’s most pressing challenges.