Kyle Newbould: Leeds United beat Sunderland 1-0, three takeaways from pre-season win | OneFootball

Leeds United claimed their first pre-season win at the second attempt, beating Sunderland 1-0 in New Jersey thanks to an early long-range strike from Lukas Nmecha. They then stood firm to record a clean sheet as Sunderland missed chances.

A total of 21 Leeds players featured, the entire outfield unit was rotated, and goalkeeper Alex Cairns was the only player to complete 90 minutes.

Joe Rodon captained Leeds. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, that appeared to hint at Daniel Farke’s thinking on the vice-captaincy after Pascal Struijk’s move to Brighton. Ethan Ampadu began on the bench, and Callum Mills was the only academy player in a largely senior starting XI.

New £34million signing Tarik Muharemovic, 23, was thrown straight into the line-up and delivered a really encouraging performance, the standout performer on the night.

At the other end, Leeds looked blunt. Nmecha’s winner stemmed from Ao Tanaka dispossessing Le Fee in the Sunderland half and a ricochet falling his way, rather than sustained build-up. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor missing and Wilson still bedding in, Daniel James squandered good openings while Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto made little impact.

Leeds appear solid defensively, which could be strengthened further if a £40m move for James Trafford is completed. Beyond the likely starting trio of Wilson, Okafor and Calvert-Lewin, they remain light in attack, although a month still remains before the transfer window shuts.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk