Leeds United 0 Manchester United 0 – All square in Sweden.
Friendlies are by definition uninteresting to watch as this one was at times – mostly lacking in jeopardy. But it was Leeds’ first taste of football for the new season with five new players given a run out. With 22 players on the pitch during the ninety minutes fluidity was never going to be part of the entertainment. Instead, it was an opportunity for the many loud Leeds fans in the stadium to get a taste of how the new players, including Longstaff, look in the new blue away kit. Will Ferrall had made the trip too.
It was a quiet start to the match. Leeds started well with Gnonto playing attractive football. The only moment of note in the first half hour was early on when Bogle exploited space on the right to run up and nearly found his man.
Manchester United then picked up the pace with their high press making it difficult for Leeds to play from the back and hold the ball. Manchester United ended the half with the only shot on target as Casemiro’s lob was deflected by Ampadu on to the bar.
Both teams changed their players for the second half. Manchester United started the stronger but Borneauw and Gudmondsson soaked up the pressure. Bogle popped upgain with the first shot of the second half but second half keeper Heaton was having a good game.
Leeds looked dangerous on the break and Ramazani had three clear opportunities to score. Manchester United kept Meslier busy but never looked like scoring till the final minutes when Leeds had a bit of a wobble – a high corner dropped to the head of Hoijland and Manchester United had three quick fire attempts in the penalty box to score – a header onto the crossbar and a Meslier save.
Either side had opportunities to win this match – as if the score mattered. Ramazani had opportunities but keeper Heaton held firm. Man U hit the cross bar twice. Nmecha looked promising but Leeds still need a striker – and Bamford’s absence today was curious in that respect.
What did we learn? Ramazaniwas quick and will be a goal scorer this season. Nmecha showed promise but never threatened. Gruev and Tanaka were quietly getting on with the job together in midfield. Rodon struggled with the pace of Amad but is a physical presence.
Ampadu commanded the defence setting up the attacks. His duel with Fernandes will no doubt continue in January. Bijol, Borneauw and Gudmondsson were given a workout in defence and look promising with their height. Longstaff fitted in well but needs time to gel with the team.
James, Bogle and Gnonto carried on where they left off last season causing havoc on the wings. Meslier may have had more work to do than Darlow but he made saves one would expect him to – it is his consistency that is the concern.
As a first run out this tough match against a premier league side went without any slip ups. They soaked up periods of pressure and looked dangerous on the break.
