Manchester United have made an unbeaten start to their summer schedule with a draw against Leeds United.
A 0-0 draw against Leeds United wasn’t the most exciting start to pre-season for Manchester United, but there were glimpses of promise throughout.
Ruben Amorim handed debuts to Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon in Sweden after their summer moves to United, with both signings playing the first 45 minutes.
United fans were impressed by Cunha, with the Brazilian showing off his ball-carrying ability in flashes in the first half.
After the full-time whistle, Amorim was asked his verdict on his £62.5m signing.
Ruben Amorim spots Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes connection
Amorim named an interesting starting XI against Leeds, blending youth with experience… as well as the new signings.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes started in a deep midfield role alongside Casemiro, while Cunha started in the left-sided No.10 position with Toby Collyer on the right.
Speaking to MUTV after the match, Amorim was quick to point out a growing relationship between Cunha and Fernandes.
“You can see the connection between him and Bruno is not there yet but it’s going to be a good connection,” Amorim said.
There were a few moments in the first half where Cunha drifted inside and linked up with Fernandes, although United’s two creative stars were unable to forge a clear opening.
Fernandes, who cost United £46m back in 2020, found himself rotating positions with Cunha on the outside of the box. As Amorim points out, their on-pitch connection will improve with time.
Ruben Amorim got what he wanted from Matheus Cunha vs Leeds
Before the match, Amorim was asked what he wanted to see from Cunha, and his answer was clear:
“I need to understand if he’s understanding the position,” Amorim said. “So that is the most important thing. Because we have to improve our physical aspect in this moment.
“And I have to understand if they are understanding the movements of the team. So that’s it. Not a big expectation. He doesn’t need to think too much. Just he needs to do his job.”
READ MORE: Man Utd ratings vs Leeds, Matheus Cunha debut verdict as 9/10 youngster showed world-class potential
Cunha is familiar with a 3-4-2-1 formation which should help him adapt to Amorim’s tactical demands, and he quickly settled in against Leeds.
Fans can expect the Brazilian to make that left-sided No.10 role his own this season, with Fernandes likely to play in midfield where he can feed Cunha from deep.
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