Manchester United announce exciting pre-season clash as preparations for 2025/26 campaign ramp up | OneFootball

Manchester United have confirmed they will take on old foes Leeds United this summer, as part of their preparations for the 2025/26 season.

The pre-season meeting will take place in Stockholm, Sweden on Saturday 19 July.

Kick-off is at 15:00 CET (14:00 BST) and will see United return to Strawberry Arena – formerly known as the Friends Arena – for the first time since their Europa League triumph in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.

On that occasion, United beat Ajax 2-0 courtesy of strikes from former midfield duo Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The Red Devils last played Leeds in the summer of 2023, also in pre-season, in Norway. Erik ten Hag’s men ran out 2-0 winners in Oslo, with Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill finding the back of the net.

By the time they come up against each other, Leeds may be in the Premier League.

The Yorkshire club are on the brink of returning to England’s top flight, currently sitting at the summit of the Championship table with 80 points. They’re level on points with second-placed Sheffield United but have a significantly better goal difference.

Leeds’ chief operating officer Morrie Eisenberg said [via The Athletic], “We are delighted to announce this pre-season fixture with Manchester United and, as a club, we again look forward to playing in Scandinavia.”

“We know the great support we have in Scandinavia, with many supporters regularly travelling to England to see Leeds United play and LUSCOS (Leeds United Supporters Club of Scandinavia) has over 8,000 members alone, so it will be a great occasion in July.”

United last travelled to Sweden for pre-season preparations in 2016, facing Galatasaray in Gothenburg.

United have already announced they will visit the United States again this summer and with confirmation of the game against Leeds, the club’s pre-season plans are starting to take shape.

This summer is set to be a huge test for Ruben Amorim as he looks to mould the squad in his image. Pre-season will of course play a key role in this.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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