New Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha made his debut in Saturday’s pre-season opener, as the Red Devils played out a goalless draw with newly promoted Leeds United in Stockholm.
A crowd of over 45,000 filled the Strawberry Arena—where United lifted the Europa League in 2017—as Ruben Amorim’s side took to the pitch for the first time this summer.
All eyes were on Cunha, who arrived from Wolves earlier this month, and he showed flashes of his quality in an otherwise cagey encounter.
The Brazilian forward linked up well with fellow debutant Diego Leon and was involved in United’s most promising first-half move, when Chido Obi fired wide with Cunha in a better position.
Casemiro nearly opened the scoring before halftime, but his deflected cross clipped the bar.
United, who made sweeping changes after the break, struggled to create clear-cut chances, while Leeds threatened through Jayden Bogle and Largie Ramazani—both denied by Tom Heaton.
Patrick Dorgu also tested Illan Meslier, but the breakthrough never came.
Cunha’s movement and link-up play were encouraging signs for Erik ten Hag, who is expected to lean on the 26-year-old as a key piece in United’s attacking rebuild this season.
The match also marked the first test for Leeds back in the top flight, with manager Daniel Farke pleased by his side’s organization and intensity.
Manchester United continue their pre-season tour next week, with Cunha expected to get more minutes as he builds chemistry with his new teammates.
This article was updated 1 month ago