Last Updated:
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim pointed out midfield issues after a goalless draw against Leeds United in their first pre-season match.
Ruben Amorim for Manchester United (X)
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged his team has significant work to do—particularly in midfield—after a goalless draw against newly promoted Leeds United in their first pre-season fixture.
The stalemate in Stockholm marked the beginning of United’s preparations for the 2025–26 campaign, following what was their worst-ever Premier League season. The club finished 15th in the standings and missed out on Champions League qualification after a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
Cunha Debuts, But Attack Lacks Spark
Despite handing a debut start to new signing Matheus Cunha, United failed to find a breakthrough against Leeds. The performance left Amorim with clear concerns—particularly around pace and transition in midfield.
Speaking to MUTV after the match, Amorim pointed to the team’s struggle in pressing and controlling second balls.
“We suffered a little bit when we tried to press high. They kick the ball, win the second ball, and they were a danger in that moment,” Amorim said. “We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park, and you can feel it, (so) that’s hard to bring the ball forward. But we created chances.”
While acknowledging the challenges, Amorim also emphasized the value of the outing: “We have a lot to do, but it was a first test against a Premier League team, with two different teams, so it was a good test.”
The United boss made it clear that the team is still very much a work in progress and will need to sharpen several aspects before the new season begins.
“As a group, we have a lot to improve—the speed of the game, all the details—so, yeah, we are going to improve,” he added.
Manchester United continues its pre-season tour with a match against West Ham United on July 26 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
(with agency inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
view comments
- First Published:
