Leeds United have held Manchester United to a goalless draw in their first friendly of pre-season.
Leeds United looked sharp in the opening 30 minutes, with Willy Gnonto, Ao Tanaka and Jayden Bogle especially picking up where they left off last season.
The half finished goalless, however, and Daniel Farke made sweeping changes at the break, swapping eight of the starting XI, with only Tanaka, Bogle and Ilia Gruev staying on.
New signings Sean Longstaff, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson came in for their debuts.
Unlike the first 45, the second half was lacking in energy and a sense of competitiveness, but Leeds would have sailed into a comfortable lead if it wasn’t for Tom Heaton in goal.
However, Leeds had Illan Meslier to thank themselves for keeping them in the game with his own string of saves late on, ensuring the game finished level.
Here’s how Leeds’ second-half XI performed in Sweden.
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Illan Meslier – 7.5
First appearance since his catastrophic mistakes against Swansea City last season, which finally cost him his place in the side.
He didn’t have much work to do initially, but was quick off his line when the ball did come his way.
Forced into a couple of smart, low stops and then made a fantastic save late on to deny a certain goal. Is a comeback on the cards?
Jayden Bogle – 6.5
Came back out for the second half despite taking a hefty blow from Darlow. As energetic as ever and had a great chance to score, but his tame shot was straight at Heaton.
A good run out and taken off after 76 minutes.
Sebastiaan Bornauw – 6
On for his debut and it was a steady if unspectacular performance.
Pascal Struijk – 5
Back on the field after his season was ended early with an unfortunate injury in April and looked rusty.
There were several sloppy passes out from the back, he was given a bit of a run around by Rasmus Hojlund and then out-jumped by Kobbie Mainoo when Man U hit the bar late on. A difficult afternoon.
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 7
Fitting that the Swede would make his Leeds debut in Stockholm. It looks like the left-back will be bringing some much-needed set-piece quality to the side, with his corner looking threatening and leading to a great chance.
Given the new height of the team, that could come in handy.
Clearly not as pacey as Junior Firpo, but just as willing to go forward and looks solid at the back.
Ao Tanaka – 7
Kept his all-action display up until he was finally taken off in the 76th minute. Should have scored when the ball fell to him at a corner and nearly got an assist when he teed up Ramazani.
Ilia Gruev – 6
Moved into the sitting role for the second half and ticked things along nicely on the ball, but Man U did seem to have more joy centrally with him there instead. Not the role he’s best suited to. Played 85 minutes, more than anyone else.
Sean Longstaff – 6
Composed on the ball when under pressure and it’s clear to see how well he can read the game with how quickly he reacted to threats. Perhaps a touch off the pace, but no surprise given his lack of minutes for Newcastle last season, let alone it being the first game of pre-season.
Dan James – 5
One burst of frightening speed suggested James is fighting fit after his injury trouble but it was a quiet showing otherwise.
Joel Piroe – 6
Under big pressure to keep hold of his starting berth but had a good start with a wonderful threaded pass to put Bogle through on goal. Didn’t get a chance to score himself, though, and was rarely involved after his good ball.
Was taken off before the end, hopefully not because of injury.
Largie Ramazani – 7.5
Really lively and Leeds’ biggest danger by far, with some jinking runs that troubled Man U’s defence. However, he was unable to finish twice when put through on goal and given only the goalkeeper to beat.
Substitutes
Harry Gray – 5
Didn’t see much of the ball, but nice that he’s still involved.
Sam Chambers – 3
Found it tough against the rapid Patrick Dorgu, was constantly out of position and gave the referee a decision to make in the penalty box after a collision with him.
Did not put his best foot forward and was clearly out of his depth.
Charlie Crew – 6
Came on with five remaining and made one important defensive contribution.
Rhys Chadwick – N/A
Got a few minutes.
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