Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim spotted some flaws in his squad after the first pre-season friendly.
A 0-0 draw against Leeds United wasn’t the most exciting way for Manchester United to begin their 2025/26 preparations, but there was plenty to learn from the match.
United fans were amazed by Matheus Cunha on his debut, while Diego Leon also impressed in his first outing.
However, United still struggled going forward and also struggled to get control of the match from midfield – something Ruben Amorim has been keen to try and improve upon.
Leeds ended the match with higher possession, and Amorim quickly pointed out an issue he spotted in midfield.
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Amorim believes United are improving compared to the disappointment of last season, but there is still plenty of work to be done this summer.
In particular, Amorim complained about a “lack of pace” against Leeds, particularly in the middle of the pitch.
“We had a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park, but we created some chances,” Amorim said.
Amorim started with a midfield combination of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, before swapping them for Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo in the second half.
A total of 24 players were used by Amorim against Leeds, but one of the five unused substitutes could have given him exactly what he was asking for.
Sekou Kone was named in the travelling squad but remained on the bench against Leeds. The 19-year-old was signed by Ineos last summer, and is an athletic central midfielder capable of progressing the ball and breaking through lines.
Amorim clearly felt United lacked penetration and running in midfield, and that is exactly where Kone thrives – but he wasn’t given an opportunity in Sweden.
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Kone has impressed in pre-season training, and it seems the teenage midfielder will be kept around by Amorim this season.
Lausanne-Sport want Kone on loan, but his impressive performances in training could convince Amorim to keep him in the first team for 2025/26.
Ideally, Amorim wants a new “athletic” midfielder signed this summer to fix the issues he spotted against Leeds, but it would take a huge chunk out of the transfer budget.
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With a new striker and goalkeeper also needed, Ineos may have to make sacrifices somewhere. If Kone can step up and impress in pre-season, it could spare United from having to invest in an athletic midfielder.
United have four more friendlies on the calendar, including three on the tour of the United States, and Kone will be looking to impress just as he did on the post-season tour of Asia.
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