Manchester United are preparing for a fresh start as they lay the foundations for the 2025/26 season with a highly anticipated pre-season opener.
The club is aiming for a stronger campaign after a turbulent period that saw inconsistent performances and major concerns over squad depth.
Pre-season friendlies often provide a glimpse into new tactical approaches, potential signings, and emerging academy talents, making them crucial for both players and supporters.
Fans will be eager to see how the squad takes shape as Manchester United look to refine their strategies ahead of the new Premier League season.
Manchester United will take on Leeds United at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, on Saturday, 19 July.
The match, scheduled for 15:00 CET (14:00 BST), marks the club’s return to the venue previously known as Friends Arena, where they famously defeated Ajax 2-0 in the 2017 UEFA Europa League final to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
Meetings between Manchester United and Leeds United have often produced thrilling encounters, with both sets of fans adding to the electric atmosphere.
The club has a deep-rooted history with Swedish football, with multiple players from the nation donning the iconic red jersey over the years.
Henrik Larsson, who won the Premier League with United during his brief loan spell in 2007, was the first Swedish player to captain his national team while also representing the Red Devils.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, another Swedish legend, played a key role in United’s 2017 Europa League triumph and became a fan favorite with his flair and goal-scoring ability.
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Victor Lindelof, who currently captains Sweden, has been a part of United’s defensive lineup since 2017.
Beyond these three captains, Old Trafford has also been home to other Swedish talents, including Treble winner Jesper Blomqvist, as well as academy graduates Anthony Elanga and Bojan Djordjic.
Manchester United and Leeds United share a fierce trans-Pennine rivalry, and their recent meetings have been nothing short of explosive.
The last six Premier League encounters between the two sides have produced 26 goals, underlining the intensity and unpredictability that comes with this historic fixture.
Leeds United, currently sitting at the top of the Championship table, are pushing for promotion and could renew their Premier League rivalry with United next season.
Manager Daniel Farke’s side will view this pre-season clash as an opportunity to test themselves against top-flight opposition.
Manchester United last faced Leeds United in a pre-season friendly in the summer of 2023, securing a 2-0 victory in Oslo, Norway.
Goals from Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill sealed the win for the Red Devils, setting the tone for their pre-season preparations.
Sweden has been a regular destination for Manchester United’s pre-season fixtures over the years.
In 2016, the club travelled to Gothenburg to take on Galatasaray in a match that saw Zlatan Ibrahimović mark his United debut with a stunning bicycle kick within the opening four minutes.
That season, Ibrahimović finished as the team’s top scorer and played a crucial role in securing both the EFL Cup and the Europa League trophy.
As Manchester United gear up for the 2025/26 season, the match against Leeds United in Stockholm promises to be an exciting start to their pre-season journey, offering fans a first glimpse of the team’s preparations ahead of a crucial campaign.
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Source: Centred Devils
