Image Source: Sports Illustrated
Historic rivals Manchester United and Leeds United are set to kick off their preseason campaigns with a highly anticipated friendly match on Saturday in Stockholm, Sweden. This match will serve as the first of five scheduled preseason fixtures for Man United, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2024-25 season.
Match Details for Man United vs Leeds United
The friendly match will take place at the Strawberry Arena on Saturday, July 19, with kick-off scheduled for 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT. Fans can expect an engaging clash as both teams prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in their respective leagues.
Head-to-Head Record in Recent Meetings
In the last five encounters between these two teams, Manchester United has the upper hand with:
- Man Utd: 3 wins
- Leeds: 0 wins
- Draws: 2
The last meeting ended in a 2-0 victory for Manchester United on February 12, 2023.
Current Form and Expectations
Manchester United enters this match looking to recover from a turbulent previous season where they faced a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. To prevent further decline, swift improvements will be essential for the Red Devils. In contrast, Leeds United heads into the match riding high after their Championship title victory last season. Under the leadership of manager Daniel Farke, they have set their sights on re-establishing themselves in the Premier League.
With Leeds facing additional challenges in their preseason schedule, including matches against Villarreal and AC Milan, Saturday’s clash will be crucial for them to build momentum.
Injury and Team Updates
On the injury front, Manchester United will miss the services of goalkeeper André Onana, who has suffered a hamstring injury that may sideline him for two months. Additionally, Lisandro Martínez continues his recovery from an ACL injury, while a few high-profile players have departed as their contracts expired.
In the meantime, fans can expect to see some fresh faces making their unofficial debuts, including the promising Brazilian prospect Matheus Cunha, who recently signed for a whopping £62.5 million. Along with him, academy talents like Chido Obi and Harry Amass could feature prominently in the lineup.
For Leeds United, manager Farke will likely provide opportunities for their new signings, including Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sebastiaan Bornauw, all eager to impress on their debut.
Predicted Lineups for Man United vs Leeds United
Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Bayındır; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven; Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dorgu; Fernandes, Cunha; Højlund.
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Bijol, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Tanaka, Gruev; Gnonto, Aaronson, James; Piroe.
Score Prediction: What to Expect
While predicting outcomes in friendlies can be tricky due to the often experimental nature of the matches, expectation leans towards Manchester United securing a win given their individual talent. However, for fans, an encouraging performance that instills hope for the upcoming season is of utmost importance.
Prediction: Man United 2 – 1 Leeds United.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Man United vs Leeds United match scheduled?
The match is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, with kick-off at 2 p.m. BST.
Where is the match taking place?
The match will be held at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
What time does the match start in different time zones?
Kick-off will be at 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT for those in the United States.
Are there any key players missing from either team?
Yes, Manchester United will miss André Onana due to injury, while Leeds is expected to unveil new signings.
What is the expected line-up for both teams?
Predicted lineups include a mix of established stars and academy players for Manchester United, while Leeds will look to field their new recruits alongside seasoned players.