Leeds United man's shop window show, late arrival and off-camera Man Utd moments — YEP 20/7/25
By Graham Smyth
The YEP’s take and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s
draw against Manchester United at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm.
Leeds United's pre-season is off and running after a 0-0
draw with Manchester United at Strawberry Arena in Solna, Sweden.
A new-look Whites squad, complete with summer signings
including the latest arrival Sean Longstaff, held the more established Premier
League outfit and gave a solid account of themselves in both halves despite a
raft of rhythm-breaking changes. Here's the YEP take.
Good day
Daniel Farke
A clean sheet, a draw and a step closer to another important
transfer in Anton Stach, whose move is progressing towards completion now. It
was a good day for the German, who wanted to win the game but was obviously
content to hold Manchester United and keep them out. There was a new look to
his tactical set-up and like the summer recruitment so far, it made sense.
Ilia Gruev
For a player whose place in the side appears under threat
from new faces, Gruev gave a very good account of himself. He played a
monstrous 86 minutes, almost twice as much as the likes of Ethan Ampadu, and
showed a real hunger to set about Manchester United to disrupt.
Illan Meslier
Leeds are on the hunt for a starting goalkeeper and the
writing is on the wall for Meslier but he made himself stand out a little more
in the shop window with a solid performance. There was a terrific point-blank
reaction save on his line late on and almost everything he did was sharp and
steady. The YEP has already reported that interest is picking up and an exit is
very possible this summer.
Lukas Nmecha
Obviously signed as a Patrick Bamford replacement, the
targetman showed he can do the hold-up side of the 9 role well and had a
sharpness to his work. He looked mobile too.
Bad day
Patrick Bamford
Confirmation came from the mouth of Daniel Farke that the
striker's time at Leeds is up. He won't be involved in the first team's
pre-season from this point onwards and must find a new home. A storied chapter,
full of magnificent ups and some difficult downs, is due to come to an end.
Jack Harrison
His every touch was booed by a section of the Leeds fans and
he struggled to make much of an impact. It's going to be difficult for a while,
perhaps a long time, if he and Leeds decide to plough on together.
Off-camera
Leeds United arriving late at the stadium after encountering
heavy traffic. The lack of police escort did little to help. A stadium
announcement then revealed the game would be kicking off 10 minutes late due to
'one of the teams turning up late.' A Manchester United employee got off their
coach amid similar struggles, to order cars out of the way.
Willy Gnonto having a friendly-looking chat with referee
Adam Ladebäck as they waited for kick-off. The Swede refereed an Italy Under 21
game two seasons ago in which Gnonto captained his side.
A grinning Ao Tanaka holding a hand up in apology after
misreading Gnonto's intentions and going long instead of short, as Daniel Farke
struggled to share the midfielder's smile.
Farke remonstrating with the fourth official after Lukas
Nmecha went down holding his back after a challenge by Matthijs de Ligt.
Fitness coach Chris Domogalla having to wear a bib as he
went down the touchline to speak to subs. He then ran back down the touchline
towards the dugout and took it off, in the manner of a player coming on. He did
not come on.
Ex-Lille pair Gabriel Gudmundsson and Leny Yoro having a
catch up before the second half began.
Farke using the second half water break to give Largie
Ramazani some tactical pointers, while Dan James and Joel Piroe sought to get
on the same page after the Dutchman twice failed to find the winger's runs in
behind.
Sean Longstaff sending a few words the way of Diogo Dalot
after a coming together, with the Man Utd man responding in a dismissive
gesture.
Paraag Marathe and family greeting players down outside the
tunnel after the game.