Kyle Newbould: Leeds United beat Sunderland 1-0 as Rodon skippers and Muharemovic impresses in New Jersey | OneFootball

Leeds United secured their first pre-season victory at the second attempt, beating Sunderland 1-0 in New Jersey. Lukas Nmecha struck early from distance and a disciplined defence saw out the clean sheet as Sunderland wasted openings.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Joe Rodon captained Leeds at the Sports Illustrated Stadium, with Pascal Struijk having left for Brighton and no vice-captain yet named behind club captain Ethan Ampadu.

Daniel Farke used 21 players, changing the entire outfield unit, with only goalkeeper Alex Cairns completing the full 90. Ampadu started on the bench and the XI was otherwise strong, with Callum Mills the only academy prospect.

New signing Tarik Muharemovic, a £34 million centre-back, was thrown straight into the line-up. The 23-year-old impressed throughout and looked the standout performer on the pitch.

In attack Leeds were blunt. Nmecha’s goal followed Ao Tanaka dispossessing Le Fee in the Sunderland half and a ricochet falling his way, rather than any crafted build-up.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor were absent, while Wilson is still settling. Daniel James squandered presentable chances and neither Joel Piroe nor Willy Gnonto registered much influence.

Leeds look solid at the back, particularly if they can get a £40m deal for James Trafford over the line. Beyond the likely trio of Wilson, Okafor and Calvert-Lewin, depth up front still looks light with a month of the window left.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk