Amorim sends message to Man Utd board after underwhelming pre-season performance

Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Leeds United ended in a 0-0 draw in Stockholm on Saturday, kicking off their 2025-26 preparations.

Head coach Ruben Amorim signaled to the club’s board the need for new midfielders after a flat performance.

Both teams lacked sharpness in attack, but United’s new signings, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon, showed energy, while Bryan Mbeumo is set to join from Brentford for £71 million.

Amorim said, “It was a pre-season game. The gaps between our sectors were sometimes too big. We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park, and you can feel it is hard to win and bring the ball. But we created chances.”

Casemiro and Toby Collyer started in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes dropping deep. At halftime, Amorim brought on Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount, but United couldn’t control the game, splitting possession 50/50.

While United have focused on attackers, Amorim’s comments point to midfield as the next priority, if they're to compete with the best teams in the Premier League.