Manchester United Faces Leeds in Pre-Season Opener
United Seeks Fresh Start Against Relegated Rivals
Manchester United kicks off its new campaign with a familiar opponent this afternoon as they prepare to face Leeds in their inaugural pre-season fixture. Following a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season, manager [Manager’s Name – not provided in source] has considerable work ahead at Old Trafford.
Leeds Aims for Momentum After Relegation Rebound
Leeds United, conversely, is looking to build on their successful promotion back to the top flight. After three seasons in the Premier League following their 2020 return, the club was relegated in 2023 but secured the Championship title on their second attempt.
Match Details: Date, Time, and Venue
The clash between Manchester United and Leeds is scheduled for 2 PM BST on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The match will be held at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
Where to Catch the Action
Fans can stream the match live exclusively on MUTV, Manchester United’s official television channel. Coverage begins at 1 PM BST. Subscriptions are available via the club’s official website and app, or through Sky and Virgin Media for an additional fee.
Alternatively, follow all the matchday developments with Standard Sport’s live blog. Highlights are expected to be available on United’s website, social media channels, and YouTube shortly after the final whistle.
Team News: Potential Debuts and Key Absences
Manchester United could feature several new signings, with marquee acquisition Matheus Cunha potentially making his debut. Diego Leon, a recent arrival from Cerro Porteno, may also feature. An agreement has been reached with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo, but he will not be available for this match.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana is sidelined for a significant portion of pre-season due to a hamstring injury. Even if a deal for Mbeumo is finalized, the Cameroonian will not participate. Lisandro Martinez is also expected to miss the trip to Sweden as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
For Leeds, it remains uncertain if former United transfer target Sean Longstaff will feature after his reported £13 million move from Newcastle. Manager Daniel Farke has been active in the transfer market, bringing in Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sebastiaan Bournauw, and Felix Nmecha, all of whom could be in contention.
Jack Harrison, who has returned to the club after a two-year loan spell at Everton, may also be included in the squad.
Match Prediction: United Favored Despite Recent Struggles
Despite a challenging previous season, this friendly represents a fresh start for the United squad. Manager [Manager’s Name – *not provided in source*] will have had ample time to instill his tactical vision. While both teams may experiment with their lineups, Manchester United’s squad depth is expected to give them the edge over a determined Leeds side.
Head-to-Head Record
Manchester United holds a significant advantage in their historical encounters, with 50 wins against Leeds.
Match Odds
Manchester United are priced at 4/6 to win the match, according to odds from Betfair.