Winners and losers from Man United's stalemate with Leeds as Cunha shines and wonderkid hint dropped

Winners and losers from Man United's stalemate with Leeds as Cunha shines and wonderkid hint dropped

Man Utd drew 0-0 with Leeds United in their pre-season opener on Saturday

Bendito Mantato in action for Manchester United against Leeds United

Manchester United opened their pre-season campaign with a goalless draw with Leeds United in Sweden.

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The game failed to spark but was a chance for United players to get minutes into their legs ahead of their tour of the USA next week.

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It also saw Mathues Cunha and Diego Leon make their first appearances since their summer arrivals. Both showed what they can offer during their 45-minute outings and United will hope to have Bryan Mbeumo through the door in the next 48 hours ahead of their flight to the States on Tuesday.

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That trip brings three more matches but here's the winners and losers from the stalemate with Leeds.

Winners

Matheus Cunha

Made his first appearance in a United shirt and caught the eye with his ability and vision as well as his driving runs and direct threat. Bodes well for the campaign ahead and what the forward can offer.

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Tom Heaton

Arguably United's best player. He made a couple of impressive saves in the second half and certainly offered the thought that he could be United's number two ahead of Altay Bayindir. Heaton will hope for more opportunities in the States with Andre Onana yet to feature owing to injury.

Bendito Mantato

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The 17-year-old is highly thought of at Old Trafford and of all the youngsters, it was the winger who Amorim handed a shirt to when he rang the changes at the break. Mantato played 35 minutes before being replaced by Jack Fletcher and will hope to earn further chances over the coming weeks.

Mason Mount

It's been a case of 'what if' for Mount at United. Highly regarded by Amorim, injuries have stopped him getting any rhythm since his arrival from Chelsea in 2023. He offered some incision in the second half in Sweden and served a reminder that he still has something to offer this side.

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Kobbie Mainoo

Another who played his part in an improved second half showing from United. The midfielder has struggled to nail down a place in the first XI since Amorim's arrival but operated in the pivot position against Leeds and caught the eye. A year ago the midfielder was part of an England squad that nearly won the European Championships, he will hope to hit similar highs for club and country in the upcoming campaign.

Losers

Casemiro

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Part of the first half XI and the midfielder struggled to impose himself on the contest. His best performances last term were in Europe and with no continental football on offer this season, it's hard to see the Brazilian gets regular minutes. That school of thought will not have altered based on his showing in Scandinavia.

Rasmus Hojlund

Was omitted from the XI in favour of Chido Obi and while we cannot read too much into that given it's the first game of pre-season, the Dane has work to do to convince United he can lead their line this term.

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On a couple of occasions against Leeds he could have held the ball up better and with United still searching for a striker, Hojlund knows he has to take every opportunity that comes his way. He didn't quite do that in Stockholm.

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