Man Utd vs Leeds: Ruben Amorim gets clear transfer message as Matheus Cunha makes impression

Manchester United kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 0-0 draw against Leeds in Stockholm with one eye on next week's tour of the United States.

Ruben Amorim handed a debut to the club's marquee summer signing, Matheus Cunha, in a strong first half team and the Brazilian attacker was by far the brightest spark in a relatively dour opening 45 minutes, where he linked neatly with United's other new boy, Diego Leon, on the left-hand side.

Neither team could find a breakthrough and both rang the changes at half-time with United fielding a completely new XI for the second period.

It was Leeds who came closest to the opener after the break with Tom Heaton making two good saves to keep the Premier League new boys at bay with Amine Ramazani spurning a golden chance to score.

United and Leeds traded blows in the second half but, as the game petered out, honours stayed even amid a flurry of late substitutes from both sides.

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Cunha leads from front

Cunha is one of the club's two summer signings to date and he was by far the brightest spark in a dire first half showing from both teams.

The former Wolves man was dynamic and was one of the few players threatening to make things happen in the final third. He started proceedings as the left-sided No 10 in Amorim's preferred system and immediately looks right at home.

The Amad dilemma

Amad was one of the few shining lights in a difficult campaign for Manchester United and he looked bright again in Stockholm.

But where does he fit best in United's current shape? He started here as the right wing-back but swapped positions with Toby Collyer to take up the right-sided No 10 spot. The uber-talented star has the attributes to thrive further up the pitch but it will be intriguing to see where he plays with Bryan Mbeumo incoming.

Amorim's wing-backs are as good as wingers at time given how high they are up the pitch. Amad has caught the eye in an attacking role in the past, though. Whatever the manager's decision, one thing is for sure: Amad should surely be on of the first names on Amorim's teamsheet this coming season.

Leon's first look

United's game at the Strawberry Arena gave fans an early glimpse of their new wing-back, just 18. And Leon showed why he is now set to stay and compete for a place in Amorim's team instead of Harry Amass, who is poised to head out on loan.

He looked comfortable high up and pitch and crafted one chance for Chido Obi in a lacklustre first half with a neat no-look pass. Leon has obviously been signed with the future in mind, but as far as first impressions go, this was positive.

Signings - and sales - needed

Yes, this point isn't exactly hot off the press, but Manchester United really need to kick into action in the transfer market.

Their first half performance was reminiscent of plenty of United's games last season bar a brief flurry of penalty box action late in the half. If Amorim is to succeed, then he needs to be backed with signings.

Cunha and Leon looked bright and Mbeumo was one of the Premier League's top attackers last season. He and Cunha in particular will help United no end, but they need much more if they are to have a successful season. Yes, funds are tight so that means player sales are needed. But United need to get moving on that front if they are to give Amorim the tools he requires to rebuild this team properly. Over to you, then, Ineos.

The kids are alright

Listen, it's the first game of pre-season: and it's certainly not all doom and gloom for Manchester United.

The likes of Amad, Leon, Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bendito Mantito to name just a few are evidence that the future is bright for United, even if things aren't all rosy at the moment. United just need the right signings to help balance things out and push them back among the Premier League's elite.

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