Manchester United's pre-season preparations hit a stumbling block with a 2-1 defeat to a determined Leeds United side. While the result is a friendly, the performance raised questions. Let's break down the individual showings from a frustrating afternoon at Old Trafford.
Senne Lammens earns a 5. He started brightly with a crucial early stop but was left exposed for both Leeds goals, and a nervy pass nearly gifted a third.
It was a day to forget for the defense. Noussair Mazraoui (3) looked off the pace, struggling defensively and offering little going forward. Leny Yoro (1) endured a nightmare debut, bullied physically and careless in possession. Lisandro Martínez (2) made a heroic last-ditch tackle but undid his good work with a reckless challenge that earned a straight red card, leaving United with ten men. Luke Shaw (3) was largely anonymous.
The midfield had a mixed bag. Casemiro (7) was a bright spot, powering home a header to give United late hope. In stark contrast, Manuel Ugarte (1) failed to provide the promised steel, losing the ball for a key chance and looking hesitant in possession.
Further forward, Bruno Fernandes (6) worked hard on a tough day and notched a fine assist—his 17th of a productive campaign. Amad (4) showed early promise as United's main threat but faded, while Matheus Cunha (5) had moments but couldn't find a breakthrough. Benjamin Sesko (4) was denied an equalizer by a superb save and found chances limited.
Overall, it was a disjointed performance that highlighted areas needing sharpness before the competitive action begins. The search for cohesion continues.
