Amorim admits “lack of pace” as misfiring attack fails to deliver in first summer outing
Manchester United began their 2025/26 pre-season campaign with a disappointing goalless draw against newly-promoted Leeds United in Stockholm, offering little early optimism under new manager Rúben Amorim.
Despite fielding a strong lineup that included £62.5 million signing Matheus Cunha and captain Bruno Fernandes, United’s familiar attacking issues were on full display.
The Red Devils, who registered just 44 goals in the Premier League last season, showed little sign of evolution in front of goal—failing to convert any of their 18 shots.
Teen striker Chido Obi, starting alongside Cunha and Fernandes, provided United’s brightest moments in the first half, drawing a decent save from Karl Darlow and later colliding with Cunha in the box, highlighting the lack of attacking chemistry. Casemiro nearly scored just before the break with a deflected cross that rattled the crossbar.
Amorim made wholesale changes at half-time, but it was Leeds who looked the more likely side to find a breakthrough. Debutant Joel Prime was influential, creating chances for Jaden Bogle and Largie Ramazani, while Ao Tanaka came close at the far post.
United had their best second-half opportunity in the final minute when Kobbie Mainoo hit the bar from two yards out, before Ayden Heaven’s follow-up was denied by Illan Meslier. Rasmus Højlund then summed up United’s attacking woes by inadvertently blocking a goal-bound strike from Patrick Dorgu.
Amorim: “We have a lack of pace”
Speaking after the match, manager Rúben Amorim acknowledged the shortcomings, particularly in United’s midfield and attacking transitions.
“We have a lack of pace. Especially in the middle of the park, you can feel it’s hard to bring the ball. But we created chances. It was a first test—two different teams, a good test,” he told MUTV.
Amorim praised Cunha’s positioning but admitted his link-up with Fernandes was far from fluid.
“Matheus Cunha showed what we need—a player between the lines who is aggressive. But the connection with Bruno is not there yet. It will be, especially with players like Kobbie Mainoo or Mason Mount complementing them.”
He also singled out 18-year-old Diego Leon for praise after the Paraguayan’s debut at left wing-back.
“It’s only his second week with us. He’s powerful and going to be a very good player.”
Amorim stressed the importance of building chemistry during the team’s U.S. tour, adding:
“This club is not just about effort—it’s about quality. We have a lot to improve: the speed of play, decision-making, and all the small details.”
Analysis: United Need Far More Than Mbeumo
With Bryan Mbeumo set to arrive in a £71 million deal, United’s frontline will gain a much-needed injection of pace and productivity. But based on this showing, the Brentford man won’t be a miracle fix.
Cunha looked subdued in his debut, barely touching the ball in the opposition box, while Højlund’s late mishap epitomized a lack of sharpness and cohesion.
There were glimpses of promise—Amad Diallo looked lively at wing-back, while Tom Heaton staked his claim as a reliable backup to Andre Onana, currently sidelined. Still, positives were few and far between.
With just under a month to go before United kick off their Premier League season against Arsenal, Amorim faces a race against time to sharpen his side’s attacking edge and build chemistry in a squad still adjusting to a new tactical era.