Graham Smyth's Leeds United ratings vs Sunderland as Muharemovic earns 8/10 | OneFootball

Leeds United claimed their first pre-season win, beating Sunderland 1-0, with Lukas Nmecha scoring and Tarik Muharemovic catching the eye.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Muharemovic delivered the standout display in a hard-fought contest.

The Whites led on 25 minutes in unusual fashion, Nmecha punishing poor positioning by goalkeeper Melker Ellborg to find the net from 40 yards. Sunderland’s best first-half chance fell to Brian Brobbey, who scuffed Reinildo’s cross.

Leeds made six changes at the interval and Sunderland rotated heavily around the hour. Chances were scarce, with Daniel James and Anton Stach having half-openings, and Leeds saw it out for a clean sheet.

Player ratings included Alex Cairns 6, alert to danger with one comfortable late save, long kicks not always accurate. Joe Rodon 7, floored by Brobbey on a rare break, backed attacks and dominated aerially.

Sebastiaan Bornauw 7, not entirely at ease in possession before the break but solid and strong in duels. Tarik Muharemovic 8, sharp across his first 45 minutes, composed on the ball and in control after half-time.

Jayden Bogle 7, attacked with purpose and delivered a couple of decent first-half crosses, always an outlet. Sean Longstaff 6, busy and willing without his Wrexham impact, visibly frustrated with the referee.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk