rewrite this title Man United vs Leeds: Midfield ‘lacks pace’ and fans ‘deserve more’, says Amorim – and boss wants Cunha ‘connection’

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says his side need speed in midfield and a greater understanding between playmaker Bruno Fernandes and new forward Matheus Cunha after a 0-0 draw against Leeds United in a pre-season friendly.

Preparing for Amorim’s first full season in charge, United hit the crossbar through Casemiro’s cross-shot before the break and Kobbie Mainoo’s header two minutes from time in Stockholm, where last season’s Championship winners could have prevailed but for Tom Heaton’s second-half save from Largie Ramazani’s shot.

“The distance between the sectors was really big sometimes,” Amorim told MUTV. “We suffered a little bit when we tried to press high… they won the ball and were dangerous in those moments.

“We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park – you can feel it, and it’s hard to [move] the ball.”

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Man United vs Leeds: Cunha and Fernandes ‘connection’

Having succeeded Erik ten Hag in November, Amorim is aiming to revive United’s fortunes following a 15th-placed finish in the Premier League and defeat at the last in their attempt to reach the Champions League, losing 1-0 to Tottenham in the Europa League final.

“We created chances,” the Portuguese said after the draw at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena, praising his new £62.5 million signing after the Brazil international’s first appearance.

“Matheus Cunha showed what we need, which is a player who can be really aggressive in the direction of the opponents when they receive the ball between the lines.

“You can see the connection between him and Bruno is still not there, but it’s going to be good. You can put a player like Kobbie or Mason Mount there. We have to improve our quality in the final third.”

Diego Leon: Man United defender ‘powerful’

Amorim praised left-back Diego Leon after the 18-year-old was part of his starting side before making way among a raft of half-time changes.

“We have to understand that the kid came from Paraguay and it’s his second week at Manchester United,” Amorim said of the signing from Cerro Porteno for a fee of up to £7m.

“He did really well –  he’s learning things, he’s powerful and he’s going to be a very good player. We have a lot to do but it was a first test against a Premier League team with two different [starting] teams [in either half].”

Amorim: Man United ‘have to win’

The atmosphere around United has frequently come under scrutiny but Amorim said he could “feel the environment is very good” at the 20-time champions, who last won the league in 2013.

“We are going to struggle but we will struggle together. That is the beginning of everything, and then we have to have the quality, because it’s not just about the effort.

“You have to win games. We are going to improve the speed of the game and all the details.”

United play West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton next in the Premier League Summer Series in the US, where Amorim said the squad are looking forward to spending time with supporters.

“We feel the fans deserve more in every aspect,” he suggested. “We are going to be closer to what Manchester United should be.”

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Man United teams, lineups for pre season friendly vs Leeds

Man United starting lineup: Bayindir; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Collyer, Leon; Fernandes, Cunha; Obi

Man United second half lineup: Heaton; Heaven, Maguire, Yoro, Dalot, Dorgu; Mainoo, Ugarte, Mount; Mantato, Hojlund

Man United pre season fixtures 2025/26

July 27 vs West Ham (New Jersey)July 31 vs Bournemouth (Chicago)August 3 vs Everton (Atlanta)August 9 vs Fiorentina (H)

When does Man United’s 2025/26 Premier League season start?

The first round of Premier League matches in 2025/26 will be on the weekend of August 16 2025, including United’s visit from Arsenal on Sunday, August 17 at 16:30 BST.

The game against the 2024/25 runners-up is being shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League, Ultra and Main Event.

The last round of matches this season will all start at the same time on May 24 2026. No rounds will take place within 60 hours of each other and there will be no fixture on December 24.