Three things we learnt as Man United play out 0-0 draw with Leeds

Manchester United kicked off their 2025/2026 pre-season campaign with a cagey 0-0 draw against old rivals Leeds United in a highly anticipated friendly held in Sweden. While the scoreline might suggest a lack of excitement, the match offered valuable early insights into Erik ten Hag's plans and the readiness of his squad. With key players either rested or nursing minor knocks, the spotlight fell on those eager to stake a claim for the upcoming season, providing three distinct takeaways from the first ninety minutes.

Firstly, the goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford gained an unexpected dimension with Altay Bayindir starting between the sticks. With Andre Onana sidelined due to a reported minor injury, Bayindir was handed a golden opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities. The Turkish international delivered a composed performance, making a few comfortable saves and showing good command of his area. While he wasn't truly tested by a prolific Leeds attack, his clean sheet will undoubtedly boost his confidence and remind the coaching staff of his presence. This early pre-season outing suggests that Bayindir is more than just a backup; he’s a viable option ready to step in, potentially adding an intriguing layer of competition should Onana's injury prove more persistent than initially thought, or simply as a testament to his continued development in the shadow of the Cameroonian.

Secondly, the debut of young sensation Diego Leon provided a glimpse into the club's future and Ten Hag's commitment to nurturing talent. The highly-rated midfielder, making his senior bow ahead of more established youth prospects in the pre-season pecking order, exhibited flashes of brilliance that belied his tender age. Operating in a fluid central role, Leon displayed impressive close control, vision, and a willingness to drive forward, attempting a couple of ambitious passes that nearly unlocked the Leeds defence. While understandably raw and occasionally outmuscled, his confidence on the ball and intelligent positioning were clear indicators of his potential. His inclusion from the start signals a strong belief from the coaching staff, marking him as one to watch closely as pre-season progresses and an exciting prospect for the club's long-term strategy.

Finally, the match underscored the familiar pre-season themes of tactical experimentation and battling early-season rust. The 0-0 stalemate, despite United’s general dominance in possession, highlighted a lack of sharpness in the final third. Attacking moves often broke down at the crucial moment, with passes going astray or shots lacking conviction. This isn't entirely unexpected given it's the first run-out, but it certainly provides Ten Hag with clear areas for improvement. On the positive side, the defensive shape appeared relatively solid, with Leeds rarely threatening Bayindir's goal. This balance – a sturdy defence but an uninspired attack – suggests that the coaching staff will likely focus heavily on offensive cohesion, movement, and finishing drills in the coming weeks. The performance served as a vital diagnostic tool, revealing what's working and what needs significant refinement before the competitive season kicks off.