Manchester United and Leeds United face off this Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM (Brasília time), in a pre-season friendly at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. The match marks the start of the Red Devils’ preparation for the 2025/26 Premier League and may feature the debut of Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha, formerly of Wolverhampton, with Manchester United. Leeds, recently promoted to the English top flight after winning the EFL Championship, aims to test its reinforced squad for the season. The game, with no broadcast on open TV, will be available via streaming on MUTV, United’s official channel. The clash reignites a historic rivalry, with the Red Devils holding an edge in recent encounters. Expectations are for a lively match, with both teams evaluating new players and strategies.
Manchester United comes off a disappointing season, finishing the 2024/25 Premier League in 15th place, missing European competitions. The loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham by 1-0 intensified pressure on coach Ruben Amorim, who now focuses on squad rebuilding. Meanwhile, Leeds celebrates its return to the top tier with the Championship title, secured with a six-game winning streak and the competition’s best attack.
- Key points of the friendly:
- Potential debut of Matheus Cunha for Manchester United.
- Leeds tests new signings like Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha.
- Historic rivalry with clear Red Devils dominance.
- Game serves as prep for the 2025/26 Premier League.
New signing in the spotlight
Manchester United is banking on Matheus Cunha as a key piece to revitalize its attack. The Brazilian, who scored 17 goals in 36 games for Wolverhampton last season, arrives with the mission of boosting the team’s offensive output, which struggled, failing to score in three of its last five Premier League games. His debut in a friendly is seen as a chance for Cunha to adapt to Ruben Amorim’s style, which prioritizes quick transitions and verticality. The Portuguese coach, under pressure after lackluster results, is expected to use the game to test formations, especially with Lisandro Martínez and Onana sidelined by injuries.
United’s squad blends youth and experience, with players like Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund being pivotal. The defense, bolstered by De Ligt and Yoro, seeks greater solidity after an inconsistent season. The expectation is for the team to show intensity from the start, even in a friendly.
Leeds back in the top flight
After two seasons in the second tier, Leeds United returns to the Premier League with high spirits. The 2024/25 EFL Championship title, secured with a 10-game unbeaten run and the competition’s best attack, reflects the consistency of coach Daniel Farke’s work. Leeds signed four new players for the season: Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Lukas Nmecha, plus the return of Jack Harrison. These players are expected to get minutes in the friendly as Farke fine-tunes the team for the top-flight challenges.
Leeds ended the Championship with a solid defense, keeping clean sheets in three of their last five official games. The mix of young talents like Gnonto and Aaronson with experienced players like Ampadu gives the team versatility. However, facing Manchester United, even in a friendly, will be a significant test for the squad.
- Leeds’ signings for 2025/26:
- Jaka Bijol: Defender with strong defensive skills.
- Gabriel Gudmundsson: Full-back with attacking flair.
- Lukas Nmecha: Striker with game-changing potential.
- Sebastiaan Bornauw: Defensive reinforcement.
Rivalry history
The rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds is one of English football’s most storied, marked by intense clashes since the 1970s. In the last 10 meetings, United won six, drew three, and lost only once. The most recent clash, in the 2022/23 Premier League, saw United win 2-0 away, while the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw. These results underline United’s recent dominance, but Leeds, now revitalized, aims to surprise.
The Stockholm friendly will be the first meeting since 2023, with expectations of an open game as both teams test strategies. Manchester United holds slight favoritism, but Leeds’ intensity could balance the contest.
Game expectations
The friendly serves as a gauge for both clubs’ ambitions in the 2025/26 season. For Manchester United, it’s a chance to show progress after a frustrating campaign, while Leeds aims to solidify its top-flight return with a competitive performance. The trend points to a game with goals, given both teams’ offensive firepower. United struggled to score in three of their last five games last season, but Cunha’s arrival could change that. Leeds, with its prolific Championship attack, is unlikely to hold back.
- Factors that could decide the game:
- Matheus Cunha’s performance in his debut.
- Leeds’ ability to maintain defensive solidity.
- Tactical adjustments by Ruben Amorim and Daniel Farke.
- Players’ fitness, still in early pre-season.
How to watch the match
The game won’t be broadcast on open TV in♡ Brazil, but fans can watch live via MUTV streaming, Manchester United’s official channel. The platform requires a subscription but is the only confirmed option for viewing the friendly. Additionally, the clubs’ social media accounts are expected to provide real-time updates with highlights and key moments. Strawberry Arena, the match venue, is known for hosting international friendlies, and a good crowd is expected in Sweden.
The friendly will also allow fans to assess new players’ potential. For Manchester United, Cunha’s debut is the main attraction, while Leeds showcases its signings as part of its top-flight rebuild.
Match curiosities
The Stockholm clash brings intriguing elements that heighten anticipation. The “Roses Rivalry” between the teams has historical roots beyond football, tied to regional disputes between Lancashire and Yorkshire. Additionally, the friendly marks Ruben Amorim’s first game with Manchester United in Sweden, likely drawing local attention.
- Notable facts:
- Leeds’ last win over United was in 2010, in the FA Cup.
- Strawberry Arena has hosted friendlies for major European clubs.
- Matheus Cunha is United’s first Brazilian signing since Antony in 2022.
- Leeds had the Championship’s best attack in 2024/25, with 89 goals.